Cherry Magic! (2020)

Cherry Magic will forever hold a special place in my heart!

Cherry Magic is one of the best Japanese drama I have ever seen in my life. Cherry Magic is a must watch!!! The love story is so cute, it makes you blush so much and then choke you with laughter and then makes you cry. I don't even know where to begin, I started this drama on the day it started aired, I fell in love with this drama in the first scene only. Whenever I cannot sleep, or having hard time, I close my eyes and start dreaming about Kurosawa Yuichi and Adachi Kiyoshi. I start thinking about various scenarios and like that my days pass by. The way every scene made me blush so much, I cannot even express it in words. It's such a cute story. I don't think in reality there will be ever a man like Kurosawa Yuichi. The way Kurosawa Yuichi loves Adachi is just infinity levels infinity. Cherry Magic will forever hold a special place in my heart!

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Started Strong, Ended Too Quickly. Needed More Cherries Lol

This started off as one of the best shows labeled "BL" that I've ever seen. This changed by the end but it was still better than the manga. Which doesn't happen a lot with adaptations. I wanna start off with the goods since I did enjoy this series overall! Just was disappointed with its later half. First off, it's comedic timing is on point thanks to Eiji Akaso's spectacular acting. He's so versatile it's crazy! I remember seeing him in Kamen Rider and crushing on him hard, and then he's in this playing Adachi whose a total mess, but also so freaking sweet and wholesome.. He was also in another series where he played a super confident player too apparently? The man is versatile!

Keita Machida as Kurosawa also does a fantastic job opposite Eiji. He's very charming and the dream partner. But also way more sweetly affectionate, patient and also heartbreaking than in the books. What they did with his character was probably the best decision the screenwriters could've ever made. You fall in love with him along with Adachi and it's so real feeling. Cutos! Super healthy relationship too. One where nothing is forced or pushed, Kurosawa only pushes Adachi to be better and more confident and we love that. Whereas Adachi pushes Kurosawa to be okay with not being perfect all the time. There's a nice balance, even if it gets frustrating at times with how little is actually seen romance-wise.

There are so many moments added into this that make the show so special, because they stick in your head. Some including; Adachi's meltdown on his first day with powers, Kurosawa wrapping him in a scarf, the folder confession, Adachi getting slammed in the elevator door, Kurosawa's side of the love story, them holding hands for the first time, etc. It's all just so well done in the first half. The added side characters are great. Like the office workers, who don't have much of a role in the books but make their presence known here. Tsuge is played perfectly, look and all by Kodai Asaka. Minato is great too, though that wig is a little fake looking lol. The music in the show is beautifully done, I freaking love the theme song in this show and I highly recommend listening to the full version because it is so stellar. It's called "Ubugoe" by the artist Omoinotake. The cinematography is good too. So bright and inviting when it wants to be, or dreary when were meant to feel a characters pain or emotion.

Anddd then we get into the latter off, where it starts to get old. So once Adachi and Kurosawa get together I expected some type of payoff because that's what buildup is for. I'm glad they didn't wait stupidly to have them confirm a relationship until the end. However, it felt like the relationship wasn't even real half the time anyway! I understand Adachi's character is anxious, but my god it got to be overly frustrating! There's various sweet moments, but those only feel like teasing when they don't lead to more development. We make it to the hand-holding stage and then...nothing. Just some missed date opportunities and severely rushed pacing. Eventually Adachi tells Kurosawa about the powers, which I appreciated. But really? They use that for a breakup plot device to create forced conflict? I expected better from you show. Then they get back together in literally the next episode and sleep together too. What!? That was so horribly executed and made zero sense. Even if the scene of them waking up in bed together was super cute. The pacing of this was all wrong, that stuff should've happened before. I get we have under 30 minute episodes, but if that was the problem (which partially it was) lengthen them. Or add on more episodes for plot! The show desperately needed it and it saddens me that I felt let down by the end. There's also the elevator kiss that was of course cut off prematurely. Listen if actors contractually cannot do that on screen fine, but it's still disappointing. It's also confusing to me how they can show those two lying in bed together with Kurosawa's arm around Adachi, but no kiss? Huh? Also, especially since Tsuge and Hinato's characters got 3 on screen kisses. You had a golden opportunity, that turned to bronze by the end.

Also yes I did see the special episodes and they were cute. I liked seeing that Adachi got Kurosawa a thoughtful gift and that they are using their couples pens. However, I actually preferred Tsuge and Minato's added episode. I believed them as a couple more! Which I did not expect and Tsuge got a major courage boost by the end lol that was something. Rokkaku's episode was completely unnecessary and I wish it wouldn't of taken up Adachi and Kurosawa's time in the episode. Especially with its stupid forced joke AGAIN about him "misunderstanding" about their relationship. Ugh.

I hope for a season 2 but don't try to divert completely from being a "BL" and have some fun with it. We need more realistic intimacy between these two, especially if it's significantly years down the line. Everyone goes at their own pace and there's nothing wrong with that. But don't make it completely unbelievable. I felt the love and there is a rapport there, but not enough for it to be 100% convincing me that these 2 would work out forever. I hope to see more though, I really do! Another season has so much promise.

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Cute but the romantic opposite has no personality

Assorted thoughts:

It was very sweet and cute, but when a romance leaves the boyfriend character as shallowly written as "infinitely patient, infinitely in love, and perfect", it's hard to invest much in the story. It's disappointing, too because I feel like the cast proved they could handle communicating complicated and difficult emotions.

We get a glimpse of some interesting side characters in Fujisaki and Minato, and the protagonist (Adachi) has some depth, though it takes time for that to become apparent. However, much of that potential rich character complexity is underutilized. I blame the writing — it wasn't bad! But they wasted a lot of opportunities for fleshing the characters out.

I have other thoughts/ frustrations but those are spoilers, so I won't tell.

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30-year-of-virginity has blessed Adachi Kiyoshi (Akaso Eiji) with a magical power to read people's mind when he touches them. One day, he finds out that his colleague Kurosawa Yuichi (Machida Keita) has a crush on him. How will Adachi handle this situation?

"Cherry Magic" is funny, adorable, and light-hearted. The fantasy aspect might sounds superficial and weird but the story touches upon common problems that most of us might face in our everyday social life, like fear of misunderstanding, or hesitation to express ourselves, or to stay in our comfort zone.

The romance was cute and healthy, but not really memorable, maybe because Yuichi is simply your typical perfect boyfriend, so there's nothing really special within their relationship. The second couple, on the other hand, is a nice bonus. They’re endearing, cheesy and their chaotic hijinks were fun!

What gets me invested is Adachi. Even though he felt uneasy with his mind reading ability, it helps him to pursue his dreams and social skills that he ends up relying on it. At some point, he wants to be independent from this magic, and I wanted to know how he handles this challenge. By the end, I appreciate his character development, but I wish it came much earlier so they can flesh out more of his independence. I think it would make a more satisfying redemption for him.

-Jan 2024, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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Disappointing..

The first few episodes were really good and I rated most 10/10. However, I began to have real problems as the story went along.
First, I am not a big fan of unequal relationships. In this case, I felt that Kurosawa was too humble in the relationship. A healthy relationship should never be one where one person is too cautious and sacrificing. No matter what, he deserved a period of anger and disappointment after the events of episode 11. However, everything was resolved too easily and Kurosawa easily let it go that Adachi had previously chosen magic over him . In a better script, this issue shouldn't have been dismissed too easily.
That said, the cast was pretty good looking which I liked. I especially liked how cute Minato and Rokkaku are. Kurosawa is very good-looking too and there is something irresistible about him when he smiles. Fujisaki's character was also quite good.
Anyway, I wouldn't rewatch this because there isn't much to see except the characters' quirkiness.

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What a cute and absolutely wholesome drama!!
Cherry Magic was so cute and I’d definitely watch it again!
The story is funny but relatable as well. It’s so awesome to watch the characters grow and develop throughout the show. Some relatable life lessons are learned.
The cast is amazing and I love the their dynamic. They make you truly fall for the characters and feel for them.
I am so happy this show has a happy ending for everyone. They’re all so cute and so deserving. I also love how they teased us at the end.
I’m happy to see there are spin-offs for the other couples because I need more of the story in my life.
I very highly recommend this show to everyone!!

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ALL TIME FAVE! Cherry Magic is a must.

PERFECTION.

Cherry Magic is literally the best BL show of 2020, no doubt! A perfect blend of magic and romance.

STORY & ACTING/CAST

I've never thought that fantasy can be so real. The way the story revolves around Adachi's obtained magic after he turned 30 is really not typical. Wherein, virginity is a sensitive topic that some people laugh at someone who's still virgin after 20's.

The first episode excites me the most. The moment where Adachi realize that Kurosawa has a crush on him definitely gives me butterflies in my stomach, I feel this every single episode of the show.

Kurosawa and Adachi will always be in my heart. Best couple ever!

Kurosawa is a caring, loving, sincere, genuine, sexy, manly but also cutie, an amazing person inside and out. Machida Keita fits the role so well. Yes, I'm inlove! He is the man that most of us wish to have. Indeed, a perfect man.

Adachi on the other hand is a innocent-introverted cute guy who is so pure and cute. I bet no one can resist his charm. Akaso Eiji also plays the role so well.

Keita (Kurosawa) and Eiji (Adachi) chemistry is on the highest level! I really really hope for another project of both of them together as a couple of course!

The lovestory of the two is memorable, every little scenes matter for me and I can't forget those because I just keep smiling from the first to last episodes plus the two sequel episodes.

The side characters are also so good. Rokkaku's energetic and funny side creates more color to the show. Fujisaki and her idea of not wanting to be in a relationship is a way to open up this kind of topic to the public that you don't required to have a girl/boyfriend to be happy, living the way you want is enough reason to be happy. Urabe, their co-worker is supportive but also a push Adachi on his works. The side couple is also cute.

MUSIC is one of the reason why Cherry Magic is so beautiful. Ubugoe (Birth), the opening song sang by Omoinotake gives the vibes of Adachi who is slowly opening his heart for someone. Then the ending song, Good Love Your Love by Deep Squad is for Kurosawa who is screaming his genuine love and care for his precious Adachi. I absolutely love this songs! I listen to it every single time. Not to mention, the background music of Cherry Magic is too cute and emotional as well.

I guess I can rewatch it a couple of times because it is really one of a kind. All things may come to an end, I'm definitely sad that my fave show ended already but still grateful for how they help me became happy this quarantine.

Thank you for a magical and wonderful BL experience.

"Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You A Wizard" I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Akaso Eiji and Keita Machida as Kurosawa and Adachi will be forever sealed in my heart!

Leia Mais

The bar is raised

This BL is really amazing. I'm not good at writing reviews so I'm just going to share my thoughts and feelings. All I want is for people to give this show a chance because it's just that good. I really hope directors and studios can learn from this show. It's such a simple and yet very unique and different show.

+ Great cast of interesting characters with colorful personalities
+ 10/10 chemistry between main leads/actors, you really feel Kurosowa's love for Adachi through his actions, his eyes, his facial expressions and ofcourse his thoughts
+ I just loved the acting in this. Kurosawa (Machida Keita) has great facial expressions, if he's hurt you want to cry for and with him, if he's happy you're happy
+ Akaso Eiji as Adachi is a great actor and really brings the akward Adachi's character to life. Sometimes, he's just thinking to himself and we can hear his thoughts in those moments, I kust love the way he acts with his facial expressions, just like Machida Keita he has great expressions while acting
+ Wholesome story, characters and relations (friendships and romantic)
+ High quality production (camera-work, directing, writing)
+ Funny, cute and romantic
+ You WILL get emotionally attached to the main characters and want to watch more of them
+ Great OST, very fitting and really adds something to the scenes
+ Not dramatic or overdramatic because it's a light and cute story
+ Entertainment value 10000/10 you will want to rewatch each episode 3-8 times (I'm not kidding, I read so many comments here saying it's their 5th or 6th rewatch per episode)
+ Healthy relationship
+ I know I said it's a simple story, but the show and characters do have a lot of depth. There are struggles they deal with and must overcome. It's really handled well!

Since I want to give an honest review I wil also add what I didn't like (despite the following points please keep in mind im still rating this a 10/10 so please don't be discouraged because the strong points of this show is all written above and it's really a must watch!)

- Kiss or any sexy time between the main couple is left to our imagination (while the side couple kisses a few times)
- Side couple, altough very funny and a nice contrast to the main couple, didn't really leave an impression on me like the main couple.
- I personally liked the side characters (they didn't have a romantic interests) more than the side couple
- Last episode, despite the rememberable moments, was a little weak because it felt rushed and the conflict was settled so quickly (on the other hand I'm happy the conflict was solved fast but still)

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The best BL J-drama to date

Do not let this gem pass you by. Cherry Magic is great. It's stupid and silly in all of the best ways, and it has respect for its characters. Naturally, it still has that charming but hard to watch cringe that J-dramas are known for, but it's heartwarming. And to top it off, it feels like it's the perfect length to tell its story. It's not too long, not too short - just the right length for everything to tie up nicely.

This story is primarily character-driven, so take caution if you're the type to prefer plot over character studies. On that front, not a lot happens. The drama follows the lives of the 2 main couples and a handful of side characters and has little going on outside of that. Most of the conflicts are internal - no love triangles to muddy the waters or external forces tearing therm apart. They're just people living their lives.

The drama does a great job showing some platonic romances as well. Friends that the characters make genuinely feel like friends and the healthy relationships explored aren't all romances. For that alone, this show deserves your time.

Overall, it's the kind of story you want to binge in bed on the weekend when you're having a rough time. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

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THE MOST WHOLESOME BL IN HISTORYYYYYY

okay so the setting is minimal but it totally works for this bl and makes it even more of a gem. the colour scheme is mwauh! I can't get enough. Moving on to the actual plot its sweet, light and fluffy and super hilarious at times. The guys have a great chemistry and the supporting characters are a wonderful addition to the movie I cannot recommend this enough to people to watch it because its a shame how its not given the recognition it is due. I swear if you don't come back after watching it and telling me how beautiful this bl was then I'll change my name. (I do believe we won't be getting anything heavier than a light kiss but when i tell you the chemistry between the two is so strong you'd feel like you just watched their entire lives spanned out where they live together in a cute little house etc etc I AM JUST IN LOVEEEE) sorry if this review is all over the place currently watched until ep 7 devastated we will never get a million episodes :(

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