A complex, incisive story well worth watching

I absolutely adore this drama, it's one of my new favourites for sure.
I understand the general frustration of people who were expecting a more conventional romance drama (the misleading summary does not help here), but let me assure you if you know what you're getting into when you start watching, you'll find a lot to value and love about the show just as it is.
The acting and writing are absolutely incredible, the dialogues flow naturally and all the characters just feel deeply real, hell I even think the editing is very well done and effectively underscores a lot of impactful emotional moments.
The show doesn't really coddle its viewers with spelling things out for them, but I found the plot very easy to follow and the character motivations understandable and often relatable.
Rather than introducing a main villain the characters have to go up against, the show explores concepts of freedom, self-determination, art, and love from various different angles with the publishing industry and its shady politics serving as the backdrop.
While romance may not be the major focus of the story, love is very much an important theme - what does loving someone mean? What is the difference between love and possession, where does selfless love end and selfish love begin? Is love always enough or can relationships built on it still become twisted and harmful? These are all questions the show poses and expertly analyses.
Another important theme, if not the main theme, of the story is fear and how to overcome it. There is great importance placed on the idea that failure should not mean giving up, that there is value to be found even in defeat, and that stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks is vital. Failure happens, that's just how life goes, but failing at something doesn't have to mean the end of happiness, hell it doesn't even have to mean really losing anything at all. Things happen, both good and bad, and happiness and joy are found in the simple willingness to try.
This is an incredible message and it is woven into the series so seamlessly, communicated so succinctly that I was left a little in awe.
So no, this may not be a traditional romance, but it is, at its core, a love story. Love of people, love of art, love of the self, and love of life; universal themes, in other words, that everyone can relate to in one way or another.
Give this show a shot, I really believe there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

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Genuinely made me happy and merry!

I actually really love this show! Yes, it has its flaws, but I still think it's almost criminally underrated here.
It takes a quite unique approach to its romance plot by having both characters be pretty much immediately aware of their attraction to one another. They are both very emotionally literate people capable of self-reflection and I find their dynamic incredibly refreshing.
You don't need big misunderstandings or wilful obliviousness to drive the plot and build romantic tension, it's just as effective, if not more so, to have the characters fully aware of their situation while most of the conflict arises from their own flaws and insecurities. It makes the characters feel deeply real and their struggles almost painfully understandable.
What's more, the characters are all wholly, utterly charming and I fell head over heels for them despite myself. They're all just so damn likeable, every single one of them.
The number of times I found myself thinking "Aw hell, that's really sweet, goddammit I really like them don't I" is frankly embarassing.

Furthermore the show clearly has a lot of love and respect for its characters and the topics it addresses through their story. Seung Jun, for instance, has a severe panic disorder, I mean this man is just absolutely riddled with anxiety. He frequently requires medication to manage his panic attacks, has a fear of crowds, and sometimes needs his friend to cuddle him to sleep. Not only is he unquestioningly accepted by the people around him, the story also makes a point of showing that this is not some character flaw to overcome, not something that can, or even needs to, simply be fixed.
Love is not the ultimate solution for all of life's problems. Just because you fall in love, doesn't mean you're magically cured of your mental illness. Recovering from trauma takes time and effort and progress isn't linear.
I have never seen a rom-com let one of its characters say "I really like you, but I just wasn't ready for a relationship. I needed to work on myself first"
And while, yes, that is not a direct quote from the show and yes, this plot point could have been handled a little more smoothly, it's still a very unusual and realistic approach to telling a romantic story and I personally deeply appreciate it.

All in all, this is a truly wholesome series with profoundly flawed and lovable characters, excellent music, a sensitive portrayal of trauma and abuse and what it means to overcome them, and just about the happiest ending you could wish for.
I admit that some of the criticisms of this show are not unfounded, it does sometimes feel slightly awkward or rushed.
But I actually think the pacing works perfectly for the story and the creators clearly put a lot of care into weaving together the plot and made full use of the limited runtime available to them.
Give it a shot, you might grow to love it just as much as I do.

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Seaside, friendship, and that inimitable summer feeling

This show is something truly special and by the time I heard the opening theme for the first time I was already head over heels in love with it. It takes a simple premise - two kids meeting and forming a friendship which then develops into romance - and elevates it to a new level.
Not only are the characters incredibly endearing, they are also given a level of complexity and depth which is rare for a romance centered around high school age characters.
For instance, Amane, who has put the idea of romance behind him after a brutal rejection, is not jaded, closed-off, and celibate. Instead he is portrayed as being happily sexually active and secure in his sexuality even if he does eschew romantic relationships.

Furthermore, the progression of Amane and Ryuji's relationship is phenomenal. We get to see Amane slowly opening up and become less defensive especially where his sexuality is concerned. He slowly stops hiding behind barbed quips and preemptive self-deprecation and starts to regain some of his faith in the people around him.
Meanwhile we get to watch Ryuji deliberately opening himself up to the possibility of romance with Amane while still staying true to himself and his own feelings, which he does by being unfailingly honest both with Amane and with himself.

Add to that a beautifully scenic seaside town and an incredible soundtrack and you get one of the most charming and genuine shows I've ever seen. It is truly a rare gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated by straight and queer folk alike.
I simply cannot recommend this story highly enough, I implore any- and everyone to watch it, watch it right now.

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Cozy Warmth for Cold Days

This show has quickly become a comfort watch for me. Something about the way the beautiful cinematography, the quiet intimacy of the dialogue, and even the big fluffy scarves and sweaters all add together... it's deeply soothing to me.

I really like the concept of the story. So many romance dramas focus on the couple getting together, so having the focus be on an existing couple is plenty unique on its own. Combined with the intimate exploration of one specific relationship as well as reflections on what makes relationships work or fall apart in general, this makes for a truly unique premise.
A premise that is then beautifully executed. The acting is stellar, the pacing is perfect, and the dialogues feel natural and realistic which is important for a quiet show like this that is quite dialogue-heavy.

I also especially love how much sense each individual character's actions make. Fumiya's desperation to preserve his relationship by concealing the past, Ritsu's quest to get his memories back, Shuji's concern over lying to his brother. All these motivations feel logical and realistic. The story as a whole is fairly grounded despite the slightly outlandish setting. The characters inhabit a real world with real issues and face real consequences for their decisions.
But at its core this is not a story about the tragic disintegration of a relationship; it's a story about love. About cherishing the people you hold dear, about openness and honesty, about the deliberate effort it takes to make a relationship work, and about the simple pleasures of spending time with the person you love.
There are no grand confessions, no unnecessarily dramatic fights, no meddling exes, no plot-convenient misunderstandings.

So if you're looking for a down-to-earth romantic drama with a cozy slice-of-life feel and not too much angst, then I would absolutely recommend this one. It is also simply a good queer love story so anyone who likes those will very likely enjoy this series as well.
As a side note - the music is also excellent and I could honestly listen to the opening and closing themes over and over again on repeat if that sways you either way.

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A sweet and intelligent little mini drama well worth watching

Ever since I first watched "She Makes My Heart Flutter" I've been a big "Soo not Sue" fan and this, their debut series to my knowledge, did not disappoint.
It's a short and sweet slice-of-life romance but it's also so much more than that. It's a show made by queer people for queer people and as such tackles topics that normally wouldn't be addressed in shows like this, or at least not in this way.
Out of Breath is heavily themed around the difficulties of not just coming out to a close circle of friends and loved ones, but to then actually live openly, deliberately and publicly out of the closet.
And it does this from a perspective I've personally never gotten to see before. It explores the struggles of someone who, while generally always having been open to the idea of being out publicly, was in a very secretive relationship for years and now has to navigate a new romance with someone who blatantly refuses to hide their orientation or their relationships.
It's a story about unlearning shame and fear which is often a slow and agonising process which is all too familiar to many a queer person.
So if you're in the market for something light and easy to watch which nonetheless tells an authentic queer story with real sensitivity and intelligence, then this show is for you.

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Short, sweet, authentically queer

Ah, but I will never get tired of stories that depict realistic queer characters facing realistic queer issues.
There's just nothing quite like that sudden flash of recognition, that moment of "Oh, that's me isn't it".
This series shows some of the realities of being in a queer relationship - the feeling of alienation, constantly being forced into constrictive hetero-normative roles, even misgendering.
It depicts all these things with great incisiveness and sensitivity, and quite honestly just seems presented from such a distinctly queer viewpoint that I would be surprised if there weren't queer people involved in this production. Which, to me, seems like a clear point in the show's favour.
If you're looking to spend half an hour watching two very likeable people fumble their way towards a romance with one another, then you've found what you've been searching for.
I would also just generally recommend this to anyone looking for a short, light watch which nevertheless feels firmly grounded in reality.

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Legend of Yunze, the Official Fanfic

Aw hell, this was just so much fun.
It did feel like I was reading an at times somewhat poorly plotted AU, but these characters just have so much charm and the actors have such great on-screen chemistry that I couldn't find it in me to care.
This special is quite light-hearted and fluffy compared to seasons one and two (which, let's be honest, were already quite sweet to begin with), but what it lacks in dark mysteries and epic sword fights, it makes up for with romance.
Watching this felt like someone had grabbed the romance dial on the switchboard and cranked it up to 11 and I do mean that in the best way possible. The show is full of classic romance tropes and even invents a few new ones (dramatically pretending to be injured to scare off your girlfriend's evil adoptive mum, anyone?).
It's cheesy, it's ridiculous, and yet it's somehow genuinely touching and romantic. I even found myself tearing up at one point.
So if you're a fan of the main show you'll very likely enjoy this as well. If you've never seen Legend of Yunze before you might still like this, but be aware that quite a lot of plot points won't make very much sense without the relevant background info.

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More plot, more swords, more demons with cat-ears!

I liked this even more than season one.
The dynamic between the characters is already well established at this point and we are somewhat familiar with the world so there is a lot more space to develop complex plot lines and delve deeper into the characters' pasts.
I personally really enjoyed getting to know our two mains a bit better as I am quite fond of both of them by now. I also appreciate how well all the plot threads weave together by the end, even if there are just enough loose ends to make me hope for another season.
Overall this delivers more of what made the first season so fun - adventures, mysteries, beautiful outfits, cool swords, and even cooler girls to wield them - and, what's more, improves on some of it.
If you liked the prequel, you'll definitely enjoy this as well so give it a watch if you haven't already.

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Tooth-rottingly sweet

Well that was certainly the cutest ad I've seen in a hot minute.
Shakeshoulder films are always pretty hit or miss for me but I'm happy to say that this one hit just right.
To me, this captures the essence of queer friendship and romance perfectly. There's no huge dramatic confessions, no painfully oblivious love interests, it's just two girls toeing the line between romantic and platonic before quietly deciding to take the step towards romance. No frills, no awkward back and forth, just simple acknowledgement of feelings and an attitude of "okay, let's give this a try"
The physical affection between the two is also absolutely wonderful, I mean I'm a sucker for seeing characters cuddle anyway, but here all the casual intimacy just bowled me over in the best way.
I'd say definitely give this one a go if you don't mind being advertised to while watching.

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Ridiculous, Cheesy Fun

Ah, but there is just something special about these mini C-dramas.
It's true, they suffer from a lack of budget, a lack of plot, and a lack of being allowed to have their goddamn mains kiss on screen for once, but they are also incredibly skilled at circumventing all those issues.
Here, the plot, even if it is weak or densely packed into a very short runtime, is compelling and easy to follow and the likeable (and let's not kid ourselves - beautiful) characters are more than enough to keep the audience captivated and entertained for the, sadly all too brief, duration of the show's runtime.
Furthermore the series never takes itself too seriously. The team clearly knew exactly what kind of show they were making and they went all-in. And that's precisely what makes it work. It's that commitment, combined with just a few moments of tongue-in-cheek meta humour that makes the entire thing so wholly charming and fun to watch.
Yes, I wish there were more depictions of queer people in general and queer women specifically in our media and yes, I wish I could get to see the makers behind these shows get to produce something unafraid and wholly, explicitly queer and yes, it breaks my damn heart that, for now, we can't have any of those things.
But I also feel heartened by shows like this. They are ridiculous, bold, unflinching little acts of defiance and seeing more and more of them produced in the last few years has been a real treat.
For now, these will do. For now, we at least get to see cute girls with swords turning the world on its head to be with each other. And that's not nothing.

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The lesbian bar was a welcome surprise!

I really adored this show. It's a very short watch (when oh when will K-dramas about queer women get the budget they deserve?) but it manages to tell a cohesive and frankly delightful story.
There are a good amount of humorous moments as well as several genuinely emotional ones and even if there isn't enough time for viewers to get to know the characters deeply, there is enough time to develop a surprising amount of affection for them.
It takes a lot of skill to pack all of that into a runtime of just over thirty minutes and you can absolutely tell how much love and care went into every facet of the series.
If you're in the market for a low-angst, slice-of-life show that still feels grounded and sincere, then I highly recommend this series. If you're simply a fan of queer women, or a queer woman yourself (or both!) I would also recommend giving this show a try. It's an absolute joy to watch.

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A Diamond In The Rough

Oh but I'm so glad Love Class is back. I was one of the, apparently, few people who really loved season 1 but let me assure you even if you did not like season 1, you might just enjoy this anyway.
This show is tied to the original Love Class by the thinnest of threads, so much so that you won't have to have even read the synopsis of the original to understand this series.

This sequel is also tonally quite different from series 1. It's slightly more grounded and mature, not angstier, just a little quieter.
There is quite a nice soundtrack, but the music mostly takes a backseat and the characters are instead allowed to just exist, sometimes silently, without sound effects, without music telling the audience how to feel. It lends the show an almost whimsical indie feel, but also just a feeling of realism and gravity.

Just like the original Love Class, the highlights of this show are its characters. These six young people are portrayed with care and authenticity and their lives and experiences feel real even when they venture into the slightly contrived.
I specifically loved Lee Hyun and Kim An's roles and found their dynamic compelling and honestly just very sweet.
Kim An's "tragic backstory", for lack of a better term, didn't really work all that well for me, certainly not as well as Yu Na's story arc from season 1, but the writers still managed to tell a believable and touching story about overcoming grief and trauma and fighting tooth and nail for happiness in mundane, every-day ways.
The one draw-back of the cast is that they are all conspicuously male. Unlike Love Class 1, this season doesn't have any important female characters, much less ones central to the plot.
Disappointing as I find this fact, I did find myself quite fond of all six main characters fairly quickly which does somewhat speak to the quality of the writing.

I will admit that this show has its rough spots. The audio is at times incosistent, there even are one or two shots where a boom mic makes a surprise appearance, but personally I thought that just added to the nostalgic indie vibe of the whole thing.
What did bother me was the dreaded "sleeping kiss" cliche which suddenly reared its ugly head when I was least expecting it.

If however, you are willing to overlook these flaws, or quirks perhaps if you're feeling generous, then you will almost certainly find a hidden gem in this lovely little show.
As ever, Love Class stands out as somewhat unique amongst other shows in the genre and for that alone I'd say it's worth a watch.
Maybe you'll fall in love with it along the way, who knows.

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Lovely, Classy, Unexpected

I really, really like this one. When I first started watching it I couldn't even get through the first episode, but something convinced me to give it another shot and I'm so glad I did.
Once you get past the first episode, awkward and uncomfortable as it may be, you suddenly find yourself knee-deep in a compelling, well-written story with interesting and likeable characters that touches on some more mature topics which it handles quite deftly.

The show's strongest point are its characters. They all have interesting and realistic character arcs and grow significantly over the course of the series. The strong focus on friendship as well as relationships is especially wonderful.
What's also rare is the way the show centers its female characters. They both have agency, they both have their own very distinct personalities, they don't serve as mere plot-devices to further the main relationship, and the depictions of male-female friendships are just amazing.
The story also does a good job of exploring the realities of being a young woman and the constant looming threat of predatory men without ever getting too violent or reveling in the characters suffering. There is also nothing of the "damsel-in-distress" archetype about Yu Na's character even when she does ask for help, and this also makes that particular plot thread work much better than it might have done in a different show.

Another aspect of the series that I loved was its grounded and direct approach to queer characters and queer issues.
Ro Ah's relationship with his friend, for instance, is unique in that they are both queer, but while they both know that Nam Jun is romantically interested in Ro Ah, Ro Ah doesn't reciprocate these feelings and they simply stay friends and even live together with very few problems.
Ro Ah draws very clear boundaries and is incredibly direct about his wants and needs regarding their relationship and when Nam Jun oversteps those bounds, Ro Ah takes a very firm stand in how unacceptable such behaviour is.
I have never seen this sort of dynamic depicted in a queer drama before (unless the end-goal is for the two characters to end up together, of course) and I was very pleasantly surprised by it.
The characters also directly address the concept of coming out rather than just alluding to it which I have also not seen before and which I absolutely loved.

All in all there is a lot to love about this little series and I encourage you to give it a shot. If you can get past there first episode you will find a show full of realistic and charming characters, that knows how to inject subtle humour and genuine emotion into an interesting and somewhat unique storyline. It's an underrated gem of a show and if you let it, I think it might just charm you as thoroughly is it did me.

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A true gem of a romcom

This one became an instant classic for me, it's just that good.
To me this show is everything a romcom could and should be - the characters are believable and likable, the plot is compelling but does not take away from the romance, the pacing is well thought-out, and the romantic tension builds at a perfect speed.

But more than that this story has a deep understanding of not just its characters, but what being human means at large.
The characters are all vastly different personalities with their own unique charms and dynamics, but also each with their own unique set of flaws. They feel like real, actual people, and it is in that grounding connection to reality that the show really shines.
It makes the audience question things like "How do you deal with your life suddenly changing and starting down a path you never expected?", "What does loving someone really mean?", "How much are you letting the past control your current life?", and "What does forgiveness mean and whom exactly does it benefit?"

The show tells its story perfectly beat for beat and pulls the audience along on a ride that is in turns fun, emotional, captivating, and absolutely joyous. Add to that the lovely visuals, solid editing, and good music and you get a romantic drama par excellence.
I honestly can't think of any reason not to watch this show, I genuinely and wholeheartedly recommend it to any- and everyone. Go watch it already.

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A quiet, tender masterpiece

Ah, Blueming... what can I say about this show that hasn't already been said?
It is a wonderfully down-to-earth queer drama steeped in realism and tenderness in equal measure.

The visuals are gorgeous and combined with the excellent soundtrack create an atmosphere of quiet hopefulness and renewal, like the feeling of the first days of spring slowly creeping in to replace the winter cold.
That may sound overly poetic, but this story is so touching, so softly poignant that it just grabbed me by the heartstrings so tightly there is simply no other way to describe the impact it had other than through poeticism.
There are no great twists, no dramatic misunderstandings, no grand declarations of love and passion. There is just the slow and steady journey of a cast of achingly real people learning and growing and navigating their way towards happiness, which is portrayed with such raw emotional vulnerability it left me feeling cracked open a split apart in the best way possible.

This show will gently nudge you into reflecting on themes of love, self-image, societal pressures, and the mortifying ordeal of being known. It forgoes melancholy and angst and instead focuses on the raw, quiet joy of being alive and getting to grow and change and learn every day. Just watch it; everyone's soul needs to be wrung out and hung out to dry every once in a while and this story will do that for you.

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