Drama Digest
Haneki Mitsu moves to Tokyo for pursuing her higher education. She’s excited about living alone and is looking forward to great college life. But when she goes to get acquainted with her new flatmates, she’s shocked to find Hirako Kaede, her ex-boyfriend from junior high school is her neighbour. She has yet to get over the heartbreak he caused her many years ago and tries to avoid him at first. But Kaede wants to get along with her. Over the course of the series, Mitsu makes new friends and foes alike, re-discovers love and resolves old misunderstandings.
The Feel-Good Part
This series is for the ones who are sweet-toothed and enjoy lots of romance scenes between the main leads. Also, it does a really good job of portraying the coming-of-age phase in the main character’s life- the independence of having your own place as well as having to make your own decisions. You can easily find yourself in Mitsu’s shoes. Being a small city girl, she’s trying to navigate life in Tokyo, make new friends and let go of past heartbreaks with a simple-minded innocence and goodwill.
The Disappointing Factor
The pacing of the story doesn’t really develop the relationship and the interactions feel abrupt and disconnected. There are ample scenes between the main leads, but the writing suffers from a lack of depth and connection. The love triangle was foreseen and didn’t add anything new to the story. It played on stereotypical drama tropes like a mean love rival and a protagonist that felt more like a pushover.
In-Depth Analysis
This drama is built on the premise of how simple misunderstandings and lack of proper communication can cause otherwise meaningful relationships to fall apart. Piled on top of that are the years of hurt and pain nursed by the two leads. So, when their paths cross again, will they be able to untangle the knots in their heart and be brave enough to trust each other again? Over the course of the story, the audience will find themselves rooting for the characters through their many awkward moments, stupid decision-making, romantic interactions and new friendships as they struggle to understand what their heart really wants. It is based on the manga by the same name- “Motokare Retry” by Hanaya En.
Star Power
Suzuki Jin and Kawazu Asuka star in the lead role and has believable chemistry despite the bad writing and under-developed characters. Asuka does a good job of playing the shy and naive Mitsu. She makes the audience cheer for Mitsu in her good moments while sympathizing with her in her troubles. Yoshida Jinto, Nakamura Riho and Enako shine in the supporting roles and carry the series forward.
Overall Opinion
This series is for the hopeless romantics out there who are willing to throw reason out of the window for good entertainment. If you are into love stories with good-looking characters, messy love triangles, girls fighting over one handsome guy and some sizzling romance scenes, then this is the drama that you’ve been waiting for. Just grab the bowl of popcorn and watch on.
