Drama Review: Given

6

Rating

★★★★

Duration

0 Hrs 24 Mins

Episodes

6

Drama Digest

The drama is adapted from the manga of the same name. It follows Mafuyu Satou, who is a high school student. One day while he was lazing around, he met Ritsuka Unenoyama, who scolded him for spoiling the guitar strings and at the same time spewed knowledge on guitars. Satou then pleads with him to teach him to fix the instrument and help him learn to play it. He eventually agrees, and together they join with some other instrumentalists and start sitting in on jam sessions. Satou becomes the lead singer soon and is faced with the need to understand his position as a singer in the band.

The Feel-Good Part

The drama does great in trying to encapsulate the whole story in a mere six episodes, which might be liked by viewers who enjoy drama series that are shorter. The drama also has certain subtle hints of romance among the main leads.

The Disappointing Factor

Six half-hour episodes may be used to convey the tale, but this would require a highly talented storyteller with a distinct vision. This live-action version struggles to accurately portray the events, which leads to a hurried storyline that is reduced to the bare minimum.

In-Depth Analysis

Mafuyu Satou emerges from his gloomy apartment carrying his Gibson guitar as he starts another day of high school. He meets fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama by coincidence while he is having a nap in a peaceful area on the stairs leading to the gym. Ritsuka chastises him for allowing his guitar’s strings to rust and break. Satou begs Uenoyama to mend the instrument and show him how to play after observing Uenoyama’s proficiency with it. Eventually, Uenoyama accepts and asks him to join a jam session with his two bandmates, drummer Akihiko Kaji and bassist Haruki Nakayama. Due to Satou’s voice’s stunning beauty, Uenoyama became determined to make Satou the band’s lead vocalist. After an emotional encounter with an old friend, Satou accepts the offer despite her initial reluctance. Satou must not only learn how to play the guitar with the help of his new pals but also come to grips with the enigmatic events that caused him to acquire it.

Star Power

High school student Uenoyama, played by Suzuki Jin, has a love of music. He plays guitar in an independent band. Uenoyama is a bit of a softie on the inside while having a harsh, tough-talking exterior. He resides with his elder sister, who is presently seeing Akihiko, another member of his band.

Sanari’s character Mafuyu goes to the same high school as Uenoyama. He lacks the ability to speak clearly and has a reserved, hesitant demeanor. At the start of the series, Mafuyu has a costly guitar but is unable to play it. He does, however, pick up guitar playing rapidly because he is a keen learner.

The other supporting cast members are also wonderful, and they are a perfect match for their roles.

Overall Opinion

This drama would be a great choice if you enjoy watching BL series and dramas, regardless of the lackluster story and characters.