More than Words (2022)

A very unique and realistic drama

I came here to watch this in hopes of a cute bl, but this was a very unique and amazing show. One thing i loved about this show is how realistic it was, it wasn't fiction but the reality that most queer people face in real life.

What i liked about this show: all the people in the show were very unique and they were all different from each other, they had their own personality, all the cast delivered an amazing performance and executed their characters very well. This show was very realistic and not some fiction. The best thing about this show was in the last ep when meiko told eji,"do as you please, please don't think about whats good for shihi and me". This kinda brought tears to my eyes.

the reason i watch bls is to run away from reality only to be bombarded with reality in the face ........

What i didn't like about this show:
One of the major things i didn't like about this show is that it was a little too slow paced for my liking, i would catch myself zoning out a couple times, like that ep where eji was blow drying maakis hair, it went on for so long and they weren't even talking, so it was a bit awkward. They should've made eji and maakis relationship a little longer, should've added more days and alone days with just the two of them, we just kept jumping from year to year but they didn't really show that the two characters build up and having those random lovey dovey moments, because of this, ejis and maakis relationship didn't really seem that strong and they were both kind of awkward around each other. They just seemed like they were each other high school crushes and nothing more.

Storyline: the story line was amazing and every bit of this show was a masterpiece, it felt like i was watching a reality show than a fictional bl drama because of the camera positioning and the dialogues, it just felt like they were talking from their own mind rather than a script and we were actually there and that was one of my fave things about this show, sometimes its good to face reality, haha. I liked how every single character is portrayed, just amazing. the story went from interesting, cute and fun to realistic, sad and depressing and i somewhat liked it.

Music wasn't it really there but the end of each ep with the credits and the music was kinda nice, i really like the simplicity of the show

Rewatch value: I would kinda never watch it again, it was a cute and fun show but it gets to depressing for me, if i were to watch it ever again, i would only watch the first 4-5 eps because the days where eji, maaki and meiko were chilling and going to fun places was very fun and entertaining to watch, then when they became adults, the show starting taking a more serious turn it got too much to handle.

Overrall a great show, i really enjoyed, there were some scenes that were cute and recording worthy, the show is just too depressing for me, it was such a perfect end, i don't want another season, if there is another season, it better not have a single second of a depressing moment, every second and every ep should be the cheesiest and unrealistic moment as possible

if you're into dark, realistic shows with queer characters existing, then you will really like this show.

Leer más

tragic, but neededly grounded

I really enjoyed the cinema style and dialogues, they gave the show have a sense of realism. I enjoyed the characters and how the story unfolded, it captured a youthful love between friends and lovers that I felt really moved by. The story is happy yet tragic, and I can't help but wish for a different outcome. I truly wish I could have seen more fight from the lead lovers and not turn practically into a surrender, as I felt way too attached to them to want to let them go. However life isn't a drama series, so I can appreciate the writing and direction of how the story plays out. That doesn't mean I didn't wish things turned out differently but, Makki is human after all. I'd recommend the show for a decently emotional lgbt coming of age story between friends and lovers.

Leer más

An original story with remarkable surprises

Through the interwoven stories of Mieko, Makki, as well as an older Eiji, More Than Words makes the point that all relationships have to evolve with time.

The story takes a particularly interesting turn when Mieko decides to become a surrogate mother for Makki and Eiji’s kid. To the 3 of them, this is the only way they know how to move forward. It’s a way for Makki and Eiji to exist in society, and a way for Mieko to cement her indispensable significance in their lives.

And as the characters are placed under the ultimate test, their fraying relationship teases out the worst tendencies of human nature. I don’t want to spoil what happens in the end so you’ll have to watch it to find out, but the twists and turns that the story takes is remarkable.

The storyline is creative, emotionally wrecking and sometimes, deeply uncomfortable to watch.

More Than Words is a slow burn that you must be prepared to sit through patiently. There are moments where the show just involves 2 people having a conversation while eating a meal. It feels realistic and mundane, which adds to the charm of the show, but can get a little dull if you’re looking for more stimuli.

All in all, it's a truly original story.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/10/31/more-than-words-2022-review-bl/

Leer más

Realistic BL that shows our society.

First of all I really liked this BL because it was based on reality.
I just want to tell everyone if you want your relationship to be good so never ever involve a third person in it.
I only liked the character of Makki because he did what was right and he was straight forward.Maybe people will not agree with me but Makki was brave enough to leave them and Eiji was the shit character.
He was shown as an adult but he didn't do a single thing like an adult.
He was terrified from his dad and didn't fight back even though he had a job and was independent.
But you know what was the villian in this story that was Mieko.She was a good friend but she gave the most idiotic idea ever which leads to the break up.
And she always said I don't really like men but she did end up marrying Eiji.And that jerk said I like you too like bit*h please choose your sexuality first then date.
I liked the ending that Makki didn't return to Eiji and started living his life.

Leer más

Must Watch

Alright so I have been continuously watching this drama non-stop and honestly compared to alot of others BLs that I have watched, this one would be a strong contender for the first spot in my favorites. This drama isn't the typical romantic BL like the other ones but instead, has a really realistic view of the world and a very strong storyline to keep you hooked up. Even though it might sound like I might be overselling this drama, but it honestly touched me a bit.
The casts did a really good job expressing the thoughts and brought out the characters very well, be it sadness, depression or happiness, it actually felt kind of genuine.
If I speak about the directory and production value, some parts of the drama such as like a scene when they carry out an activity seems kind of extended and unnecessary, (or so I thought at first) felt realistic and like as if it wasn't really a drama at all. I have never seen anyone use this style of production and directory in a movie or drama so I liked it and it was totally new to me.
Speaking about the music and stuff, it goes well with the drama but at times I thought they could have done better than that but nevertheless it was good.
Will I rewatch it again? No. Why? Even though I honestly loved it, I don't think I would actually rewatch something be it any movie or drama, twice.

Leer más

Heartfelt

I will keep it short and will not include any spoilers.

One of the best Japanese BL that I watch. But, at this point i'm not sure if i could call it a BL. This could have very well be a movie good for Cannes Film Festival.

It turned out to be an adult love story. It addresses a plethora of real-life questions offering no easy answers, and refusing to pander to romantic movie stereotype.
Heartfelt, real and emotional to the bone. Good acting and a good chemistry between them.

I will 100% recommend to watch the series. As for me, it raise the bar when it comes to BL movies / series.

Leer más

Poignant.

There's an underlaying sense of realism to this series. For instance, the dialogue: as in life, when things are spiralling, there's a lot more said in the silences between people than in the words between people. Kudos to the actors for their restrained and layered performances. A thumbs up for the taut script. Also, I'd add a nod to the directing. This series will leave you thinking after the credits roll. I found myself thinking that peoples lives rarely follow a straight line, and it's not the roadblock that tumbled us to our knees that defines us. It's what we do after the fall.

Leer más

Lovers of drama will love this

A stand out drama from beginning to end. Not one scene is wasted or out of place; the end credit scenes alone are worth watching for the innovative treatment. Hard to believe this is Hashizume Shunki’s first drama; his direction is sure throughout, even allowing for his lead cast being highly experienced actors and a screen-adaption from the mangas by Asano Taeke who has 60 scriptwriting credits to her name.

Heart-breaking and gut-wrenching in slow motion as this story of friends and lovers plays out over 8 years of their lives together, and apart. A piece of LGBTQ+ storytelling so good it merits an exceptional quality award.

But a word of warning: those who wish for clean tidy resolutions should know that “More Than Words” is true to life, and aspects of the story could easily yield a follow-up. Instead it ends with the certainty that while we live there is no end point to the emotional knots these characters have consented to being in. And yet, over 340 minutes, their story held me captive with their love and care and desire to not let go of each other.

Leer más

Mieko hate page

Mieko is so fucking annoying it isn't even funny,, I get their like a trio but dang girl give the guys some breathing space,, she just HAS to be apart of everything I think she forgot that she's not apart of their relationship,, this girl is so infuriating, ain't no way she suggest she has their child then marries her bsf boyfriend bffr and the way they tried to back out of the whole impregnating her thing and she says there's no turning back like girl tf you mean,, you single handedly ruined their relationship and the writers have the nerve to make her look like some sort of good girl victim. She was nothing but selfish yeah she might have had some good in her actions but the choices she made only benefited herself and somehow it seemed like that was her goal, I saw her as an egotistical and selfish girl and I don't understand how people like her ngl. And I don't understand how they had a threesome but she lied and told makki it was his cause she's 13 week but it was eijis cause the doctor said she was eight week?? Did she and Eiji continue to have sex behind makkis back?? Cause he did say he saw how eiji’s feelings towards her changed and that's why he left. But even if why did they get married?? Eiji loved makki and mieko wanted to make him happy or so she said so why would she marry the love of his life? It was a good show tho,,

Leer más

A Tender Meditation on Life, Love, Friendship, and Change

More Than Words initially left me, well, speechless. This is not some cookie-cutter BL or escapist fantasy. It is a masterfully written, lovingly crafted, beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, and deeply affecting story that spans years. It is not about one character or couple; it is not even, ultimately, about just three friends, as it really lets us, as viewers, inhibit many POVs throughout, which in turn fosters sympathy for very different (and all decidedly imperfect) people.

I can't say anything to reassure those who seek reassurance in fleeing reality. All I can say is, This series affirms life and love because it doesn't deny the challenges and changes they bring. It ends hopefully, and that feels far more earned, and far more consoling, to me than impossible promises. A masterpiece.

Leer más

It had potential, but didnt reach it

To start out, there is an age gap here. It's 2 high schoolers getting involved with an adult. I cannot stand this and it's unnecessary. They could've had Eiji the same age as the other teens to tell this coming of age story. It didn't need to be an age gap.

Keeping that in mind, but also separating that to judge the series, it is rare that we get to see an ace character and Meiko reads as an ace character who is desperately scared to lose the people she loves. People leaving is all she knows. Her dad walked out on her and her mom is physically around but emotionally absent. She is scared of losing both Makio and Eiji who are more than just friends, but family to her.

Eiji clearly identifies as gay and gets into a relationship with Makio. So all 3 continue their lives like this and deeply care for each other. The beginning of the drama made sense to me up until (without spoilers) circumstances lead to Eiji eventually telling Meiko he loves her. So in my mind, I'm thinking platonic love. Right? Because that would make sense. But no he insists and says Im serious about you in that way. Then Im like what? What is he implying? Is he implying that he can love her in the way that he loves Makio? But he is gay! This doesn't make sense?!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!

And even after he says that, the drama shot a very meaningful scene where it's entirely silent and Eiji folds 3 kimonos that he made for all of them. But the one he specifically made for Makio, he changes the way he folded it. It recalls a time in a prior scene when Makio said that his family folds clothes differently. So Eiji folds the clothes in the way Makio does it. When years pass and Eiji takes out the kimonos again, he smells the one he gave to Makio and sobbs into it. Eiji is clearly still in love with Makio even though he chose to please his parents by playing a role in a hetero relationship.

I dont know what the drama is trying to say? One moment you have Eiji implying he loves Meiko when he is gay, which is infuriating to watch because it doesnt work that way. You cant suddenly not be gay. And that hetero relationship he chooses to remain in is still intact by the end of the drama.

But also by the end of the drama, you're not supposed to feel like everything worked out. It's a strained situation. It shouldn't have happened this way. Eiji should've been able to live as himself as a gay man. Meiko can be ace but also have love. She doesnt need to use a child as an object to secure love and a family which all 3 fully admitted to doing as it involved all them for their own gains. So the drama critiques the issue and societal pressures yet keeps this status quo maintained at the end of it? To me, it didnt go far enough as it didnt break it. I know this can happen in life where people like Eiji exist as gay in hetero relationships. But this is a drama with an intended message. While not all media has to portray a message, it's in the title. With a title like More Than Words...there is more implications and words unspoken they are trying to convey.

Also they could've portrayed a poly relationship but they didnt go that route. Which fine, not all people can do poly relationships, but they had options on directions they could've taken. All in all, I dont think this drama hit the mark. It's sad cause I think the performances itself by the actors were well done. Just that the messaging didnt hit home and missed it.

Leer más