Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru (2020)

THE BEST JAPANESE DRAMA EVER!!

I won't spoil the story because I don't want to ruin it if you haven't watch this yet.

To be honest, I had't seen any Japanese dramas recently, but some of my friends were really into this drama, so I decided to give it a try.
I watched Ep.1, then binge-watched up to the most recent episode. it's great, It's amazing, the whole story made me thrilled and excited. I was really curious what’s going to happen next, what happened the day Tsubaki's father was killed, and whether Tsubaki and Nao will be together or not.
This is a bit fast-paced drama, but neither too fast-paced nor too slow-paced. Some casts might be overacting, but most casts did a great job and match with the vibe.
The props such as kimino (Japanese robe) and wagashi (Japanese confectionery) were absolutely exquisite. This is not a historical drama, but we can also enjoy scenery full of quaint atmosphere.

Overall, the series is definitely worth a watch. Great cast, great story line, great music. If you are thinking about whether to watch this, just try it! I guarantee you'll never get boring, rather will have a serious craving for wagashi.

here kimino and wagashi pics :)
https://www.ntv.co.jp/watadou/kimono/nao.html
https://www.ntv.co.jp/watadou/wagashi/

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Strong murder plot that is hampered by terrible pacing and lackluster acting.

It's your typical manga turned Jdrama adaptation. Hire actors where specs trump acting capability. What starts off strong as a murder revenge plot quickly turns sour due to terrible pacing. It was actually good in the first half, especially around episode 4 or 5 or so, but then becomes mediocre due to a shoehorned love triangle and a pregnancy. It's supposed to be romance but there was no chemistry at all between the leads. The female lead was marginally better than her male lead who wears a poker face the whole time. I felt nothing when they broke up. On the one hand, it was supposed to be a murder mystery but on the hand, it was a bad soap opera. The ending was at least ok. I ended up caring more for Tsubaki's mom than his whole relationship with Nao.

The gist of drama is Hanaoka Nao goes undercover under a false alias and a fake marriage contract with her childhood crush Takatsuki Tsubaki at the Kogetsuan, the place where her mother last worked. Her mom was wrongly accused of a crime she didn't commit. Nao wants to undercover what really happened to the late heir to Kogetsuan and why and how he was killed and ultimately salvage her mother's name. From there, the pacing just falls apart. On paper, the plot sounds great.

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This is one of those dramas that is truly flawless.

Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru aka 'Cursed in Love' is a drama based on the manga by the same name. It tells a story about a girl named Nao who enters Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop under a fake identity in order to investigate her mother's death and to prove her innocence.

Honestly, I was quite reluctant to give this drama a chance as I'm generally not big on J-dramas. Plus, I was quite unsure as to how the story would pan out and whether it would really be worth my time. But I finally gave in and once I started watching, I just couldn't stop. This drama was so addictive that I watched 7 episodes in one sitting, which was a first for me. Furthermore, what I especially like about this drama was the fact that there is a little bit of everything - romance, murder mystery, strong female lead, interesting side characters and an evil matron. On some levels, this drama was like a typical soap opera but what made it truly stand out was the way it was executed. The plot, the cast, their chemistry and the overall pace of this drama was just perfect. Plus, if you are into kimonos and Japanese cuisine, you'll like this show even more. Kudos to the entire cast, crew and writers of 'Cursed in Love' for creating such an amazing drama.

Finally, this drama is probably one of the BEST Japanese dramas out there and I can definitely see myself re-watching it again sometime in the future. And to those who are contemplating whether to watch or not, do check it out. I'm sure you won't regret it.

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Entertaining show

It was my first drama of this kind, this show was quite entertaining but the problem is in the few j-dramas that I saw the female characters lack personality, have 1 dimension character, always seems like a clueless girl who has 1 brain cell waiting for the ML to rescue her. This lack of depth truly harms j-dramas. Why the female lead still has to be mushy and naive even when she wants revenge for the murder of her mother?

The excessive use of the same flashback was unnecessary that I end up skipping them. I know for the plot, the characters end up doing some stupid actions like why Sakura would ask her nemesis to confess her crime?

The acting was great and no they are not emotionless.
The storyline has succeeded to make me curious about Japanese Culture. Each sweet was beautifully made to convey a great historic background. I really enjoyed everything that was related to sweets.
Props to Kyoko (Tsubaki's mom) I liked her character, she's a great actress!

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Too soapy for my taste

The show started off strong in the first half, but as it progressed, the second half took a turn into telenovela territory, which didn't quite resonate with me. The conclusion managed to deliver a certain level of satisfaction. Although, in my view, it could have done away with the pregnancy subplot and the whole secret paternity angle. I had hoped for a more intriguing twist to the storyline, something less ordinary. The addition of a pregnancy arc, particularly when the central couple's foundation isn't solid, is a narrative device that I've grown less fond of over time.

On the upside, the chemistry between the main characters was genuinely heartwarming, and a handful of supporting characters added depth to the narrative. My preference would have been for the show to prioritize the journey of the protagonists getting to know and genuinely fall for each other, rather than delving into convoluted schemes and over-the-top drama. Admittedly, achieving that might have necessitated additional episodes.

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Such a good production that it's a crime to skip

What hurts more the lack of mystery, or my oh so weak heartstrings? I'm not sure, but this review will be much like the show-- confusing and contradictory, bitter yet so diabetically sweet. But bear with me, it's worth it.
There aren't many curveballs in this story...in fact a lot of the spoilers are plain as day. The side characters are the same as any other shoujo-esque angsty romance. They never truly have a chance, even though they're good(?)-- no desperate people. Childhood friends turned to enemies. Makes you think about passing eh? Well... don't. Don't put it off for later. Watch it. Nao. (HAH! Gotteemm... ahem....)
There is something so refreshing and almost suffocating about how good this drama is. The acting, chemistry, delicacies, music...you name it. The directing was just...too on point. I don't know why, but episode 1 the first 10 minutes seemed to be filmed so poorly (or...very reminiscent of like the early 90s style shows. I'm not sure if it was intended or maybe I watched from a poor source, but I don't even think 80s dramas were filmed on such bad potatoes.) The style almost shares a bit of resemblance to how shoujo...manga starts off? But even with that, I couldn't drop it. And thank god I didn't. It's easily one of my favourite Japanese dramas, (maybe top dramas of all time?!). It's frustrating, but intensely real. You don't hate the villains, even if they're truly horrible. You despise their actions and their naivety, but there is reason and humanity in each of them Nothing is overplayed.
Tsubaki, the poor man has gone through so much and really paid for the hell he endured for "lying". But what is the right action to do? It is rare to see a story of that isn't forgive and forget. I don't think I've ever seen a storyline of such heavily deep rooted trust...even if it's trusting the biggest liars of the whole series. Even with reasonable evidence, everyone waits before jumping to conclusion. Even when the conclusions are reached, there's still TIME to get a last minute admission of truth. No such thing as toxic "you can't chase your dreams" or flirt with others.... I trust that you are in it for the goodness of your heart, even if your heart is cold and we're only business.
There's something about this adaptation that was delivered so...addictingly? There's something that makes this overly angsty storyline with cringely predictable moves not at all cringey and unbearable. It's a perfect drama to ease your sweet tooth, even if the push and pull of the main characters make you go crazy. I apologize if this review sounds like its going in circles; it will likely not make sense without finishing the show first, but just know that this is the perfect throwback to your favourite angsty/romance cliches, yet there is the ONE show you need to invest time in NOW. It isn't perfect, yet it's better then anything you've tasted before. It will take you on a roller coaster and is absent of the horrible toxic traits your favourite tweenage romance plots had.

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First of all i love the Japanese traditional soundtrack so much n i am very pleased to hear the intro although it was very short.
I like the aesthetic of this drama traditional clothes n the songs his mother sings.
N the sweets. Do they really make those sweets they are art in itself .
Now the chemistry,it was 10/10 its rare for the ML to share this good chemistry but its was not that mysterious as i thought it would be its more on romantic side but i dnt really care bcz if u cnt get one thing in japanese drama or anime u get another n in loads, that is.
Good casting.
cnt wait for the last episode
I wish it had more episodes but japanese want to be precise we cnt stop them from that.

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First j-drama and the BEST drama Ever!!!

This is my first REVIEW but this drama I like Romance an thrill and this is it SPOILERS HERE The story the actors everything.As you know the ML sent FL mom into prison and they meet again by a competition ML does not know she sakura.I. was watching this ongoing but then later I waited for the eps to come out because the cliff hangers they were good sometimes The drama sometimes give you unexpected stuff but in my opinion It was the best GO WATCH IT NOW SOMEWHERE and if anyone says it looks boring JUST WATCH IT AND SEE IT WILL BE NOT THE BEST FOR YOU. BUT GOOD DRAMA FOR ME BESTTT DRAMA WATCH IT NOW!!!!

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The Best Drama I have seen yet!!!

This was a FREAKING AMAZING DRAMA! I'm in love with it! You all have no idea what you're missing out on if you don't watch it! Its was beautifully acted out. Every moment of every episode keeps you on your toes, wanting despirately to know what will happen next! And the number of time you will cry is just uncountable! I cried every episode and the last episode made me cry , and I kid you not, at least 12 time! The ending is just too perfect and wholesme and heart-warming! Finally seeing these two get a happy ending is truely a blissful feeling that can't be compared with anything else!
It was just so beautiful I can't even tell how much of a rollercoaster ride this was for me. And the number of Plot twist! Oh my God! They were killing me! It's an amazing series that should be watched! It's a must!

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One of the better dramas out there

I give this drama a VERY solid 8/10. It was entertaining, I liked the main actors/characters. There was a lot of drama, some predictable and some not super predictable. You won’t be wasting your time if you choose to watch this drama. (and oh my goodness, the cast is super good looking- and little Nao is so ADORBS!!!!!!)

Good things:
1. Nao is not the usual naive, optimistic, too-good-natured protagonist. It's quite refreshing to watch (although ep 3/4 had me doubt this a little bit).
2. The main characters were written well. There were layers upon layers of events and internal conflicts to flesh them out. The conflicts in the family were displayed well.
3. Tsubaki is the typical tsundere but unlike the other tsunderes, he warms up to the audience a lot faster. By the end of the 1st episode, you already see his struggles and empathize with him.
4. I don't watch period pieces so it's great seeing people in gorgeous kimonos and yukatas all in the time in beautiful wood houses. (and the sweets looked so good, I want to try them!!!)
 
Things I think would have improved the drama:
1. I wish it was a darker drama and that it was less theatrical. The opening was very anime-like and I liked that. But as for the actual production, I wish they didn’t have certain scenes like people smiling creepily and ultra dramatic music etc. It would've been great as a melodrama.
2. They did not take enough time establishing Kougetsu An as the leader/brand name it was. I was trying to figure it out for a long time how big they were, how much money and power they had and why they were relevant. Their shop looked small so I just couldn't make the connection in my brain. They should've done a quick monologue/explanation about it in the beginning.
3. They fell in love too easily. His side? Ok, fine. But her side? She's hiding her secret and holding a 15 year grudge against him and his family.... but then she almost sleeps with him... because they were playing a couple... and they didn't even like each other then... Doesn't make sense. They needed more scenes together talking and naturally getting along despite having ulterior motives or scenes where they went out of their way to help each other/care for each other.
4. Nao literally has no friends/no world outside of Kougestu An. There was the potential of the girl in the very first episode, but they never explored that. She needs a "sane" friend, her voice of reason, her escape from this darkness. But it could be very intentional because as a young girl, her closest friend betrayed her, which could cause her to mistrust all people. Either way, I wish it was addressed.
5. I enjoyed the performances from both leads, but some scenes just lacked the emotional intensity it needed. I wanted to see more internal conflict on their faces, especially Nao. and especially the hospital scene after the fire after she talks to Yuko (got some bad news), I wanted her to be balling her eyes out so that I could feel sorry for her poor soul and all that she’s suffered and cry with her... but I didn't.

I love that it is 8 episodes, but I think they could've made it better with another episode or two.

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Surprisingly addictive

I picked this drama up randomly when I saw it on the front page. I don't usually watch J-dramas as they are airing since I usually prefer to wait until the whole thing has been subbed. However, I liked the poster and saw that it was being subbed by Blitz. I went to the website and just clicked play. Before I knew it, I had watched three episodes in a row which is rare for me. I'm sure I would've watched all of it in a day if I had waited until now to watch it.

Regarding the story, it takes a lot of the standard shojo tropes and clichés and twists them. A lot of the time the story didn't work out the way I expected, which is refreshing for a revenge drama. It really makes me interested in reading the manga. Especially after learning Natsumi Ando is the author. I recommend her series, "Kitchen Princess" and "Arisa." Watadou is on a whole other level though! If the manga is as good as the drama, I'm happy to see Ando-sensei come so far.

In conclusion, I enjoyed every minute of "Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" (what a title lol) and it is definitely one of the best and most interesting J-dramas I've seen in a while. The chemistry between the leads Hamabe Minami (my new favorite actress btw) and Yokohama Ryusei is on point. I absolutely loved seeing them together and will be on the look-out for their other projects. This is a good drama for both old and new fans of J-dramas, highly reccommended!

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