Cherry Magic! (2020)

A lovely charming and warm love story

I have recently starting watching Japanese dramas and movies (before I was mostly reduced to Kurosawa and Hollywood movies about japan).I have to say that 1st of all this movie is purely and typical Japanese in approach.

A nice happy ending story about love and breaking the paradigms. I love that everybody in this movie is normal abut a BL, even though I tend to think that it is not very realistic

Also, me (a middle-aged hetero woman) watching LGBT movies is also very recent, so I have not watched a lot of them. All these things considered, I have to confess that this series has totally knocked me down.
1st of all the cast is absolutely brilliant…I am totally in love now equally with Eiji Akaso and with Keita Machida. They are both greatly shining and perfect in their acting skills. I was not a moment bored during the drama.

The script is nice and flows beautifully, acting is great..the chemistry between the main leads is absolute…I think overall the atmosphere is much more erotic at times than in normal couples movies.

Definitely a must watch, maybe also a re-watch even if only for the cuteness of the 2 main leads 😊

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What makes this drama so appealing to others?

Adachi turns 30 and becomes a magic user, his every emotion towards Kurosawa shows his charm and bewildered feeling. Their short but long lasting love story is very cute and gives you a slice of life feeling.
It isn’t so much of a sexual relationship but a wholesome relationship between two people. It’s a relationship goal that seems so unreal because of how wholesome it is.

The second main couple’s love story is pretty short and I couldn’t help but squeal because…it’s just that adorable and cute! Although I never expected the intimate scene, I am super satisfied with their relationship! Although their feelings seemed very random, I guess it’s okay because the pairing is adorable when they interact with one another.

There’s no ultimate antagonist and no love abuse in this drama so I am glad that I found this Japanese drama early. It shows that BL couples aren’t just rated R but the relationship goes more than that. They help each other grow and learn to embrace life. This really touches my heart!!! This drama is what I would rate as a great romance drama with no love triangle as it’s main focus and no external obstacles they must go through as a couple.

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Cherry Magic! Proves Wholesomeness Is As Exciting As Smut

I personally love the music used in this series. I enjoy watching and listening to the opening. It was fun and cute. I very much love it.

In terms of scriptwriting, the words chosen are perfect as well. The words matched the characters' personality and it didn't seem awkward, unless executed awkwardly based on the character. The lines and overall exchange of dialogue felt like it happens to everyone. It felt realistic.

With the plot, I was really interested when I first read the title because it seems like it will be a fun series. Imagine, after thirty years of being a virgin, it gave you powers to read others' mind. The plot itself is good and very interesting. You will learn a lot of things from love to morality, especially in a workspace. The plot was well-written. It's good!

[MINOR SPOILER AHEAD: MENTION OF A CERTAIN SCENE]

For the cinematography, I was okay. It's like a typical camera angle, videography, and all. But I did like the firework scene. It made me feel butterflies in my stomach. I mean every episode made me feel that way, but that certain scene hits differently.

The acting fits the characters' personality. It doesn't seem like they were acting. I feel like that would be their actual reactions when this happen to them.

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I really and truly want to write this amazing review that just makes everyone that sees it want to watch this show... but my brain is literally stuck on screaming. No thoughts. Just excited screaming. Lol

I can't tell you the last time I watched a drama that was just so freaking sweet, it could rot your teeth. I'm sure I have though. I know I have watched at least one other but this show was so fresh and gooey that I can't think of anything but this show. I wanted it to be longer! I mean there is no way it could have been, but lkfjbvlsfkjbvfjfs *fangirls*

I adored all of the actors. Literally all of them. The chemistry and acting between all of them was like real life, honestly. I felt more like I was watching co-workers rather than a screen.... least till the screen when black for the next episode then I saw my potato face, then I was like "ohhhhh okay, yeah" hahahahahhah

There is just so much I want to say about this but I don't want to give to much away. Even though this drama is really short, they managed to squeeze in so much of what new couples go through at the start that it was refreshing. And can we just talk about how accurately nervous he was even though he had "magic"? Lol We are all nervous like that without it. XD But, I digress.

I have watched so many shows that honestly, I was tense the whole time watching it. I kept waiting for that shoe to drop that would leave me a sobbing heap on the floor (this is probably why I have trust issues. Lol) but I can honestly say this was new. That's all I'm gonna say. It was new. (For me, at least) and I needed it.

I want to recommend this to EVERYONE. If it's on your watch list, don't be like me and keep putting it off, This is your sign to WATCH IT NOW!

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I am new to watching BL series even though I am gay but this was such a light-hearted drama, it's a cool way to start my ventures towards the sea of BL dramas with this. I like the acting, I think it suits them very well, the story was a bit straight-forward but it's good and I loved the drama. The ending was a bit empty for me, well not that empty but it feels incomplete? Maybe it's just me wanting more of them but I've watched the special episode already and it looks good. The story about Adachi's friend and the delivery man is what makes me feel off with the drama, although it's good, I always seem to skip parts whenever it's just about Adachi's friend love story, it felt creepy to me in some ways, maybe because of the casting of the guy but nonetheless it is a great drama to watch if you're starting to watch or new to BL series. The entire premise of the drama too is about virginity but they didn't have a full-on kissing scene or at least a light erotic scene relating to that which is underwhelming but it is what it is then.

The highlights of the drama for me is Rokkaku's character, I love him so much, he doesn't feel like one of those annoying characters for me even though his characters acts like that, I think he played the character well and I love it. I also like the song and especially Adachi's and Kurosawa's acting.

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Sugar, spice and everything nice - Key secrets to a quaint midnight drama’s success

This review will be mainly about the main characters and actors.

There is something about Cherry Magic that is definitely binge-watch and rewatch worthy. No villains, no fuss and minimal angst throughout. The opening and ending songs are nice, although the overall soundtrack wasn’t as memorable to me but somewhat fits with the drama’s quirks.

The love between colleagues, friends and partners presented in this drama is as universal as it gets. It lets the viewers know it is okay to have no romantic attachment to anyone as long as you valued and be content with yourself. It lets the viewers know it is okay to shamelessly chasing your dreams as well as abandoning your past dreams in pursuit of something new and exciting. It lets the viewers know the importance of mutual consent, patience, understanding and good communication when it comes to loving someone who valued less of themselves.

As the actors of Kurosawa and Adachi, Machida Keita and Akaso Eiji put a lot of thoughts into how their actions correspond with each other whether those scenes are improv or not. Most of the scenes were delivered well non-verbally and voiceovers were added in later to showcase Adachi’s mind reading ability. Viewers who rewatch would definitely notice the slight touches added to the characters throughout the episodes.

Kurosawa is the character that some viewers could easily relate to if they have yearned and loved someone the same way Kurosawa did. Machida’s rendition of Kurosawa did bore some resemblance from Oliver in “Call Me By Your Name” - both characters possessed the same gentlemanly charms, the earnest to love wholeheartedly and the unfortunately good facade to maintain people’s expectations. It seems Machida might have drew some inspiration from CMBYN. Be rest assured that Cherry Magic’s screenwriter didn’t pull out an Oliver move in the end, or else the viewers would have gone full Elio mode.
Machida did micro-expression quite well and delivered his scenes with proper tension and impeccable chemistry when it comes to Akaso. It was a joy to see Machida’s soft and courteous mannerism after seeing many of his aggressive roles in other LDH-produced films or series.
Kurosawa could have easily become many viewers’ favourite and could have completely overshadow Adachi in this drama.
That’s what I have predicted initially and luckily that didn’t happened.

Akaso’s rendition of Adachi at first seemed to be a bit overly comical in first few episodes but gradually improving as Adachi gets closer with his peers. Some of Adachi’s comical scenes reminded me of Haruta from “Ossan’s Love” - as it turns out both actors are from the same talent agency.
Nonetheless there seemed to be some bits of Akaso in Adachi. In contrast with some of Akaso’s past acting roles, his other roles didn’t feel the same way as Adachi did. It felt as if Akaso has fully immersed himself in the role of Adachi, delivering Adachi’s vulnerability in a way that shines most during these crucial scenes with Machida (Note: confession scene in Episode 7; breakdown scene in Episode 11; rooftop scene in Episode 12).
Akaso’s innate boyish flairs and doe-like eyes emote awkwardly shy Adachi adorably despite being dressed less fashionable than his peers. Seeing how Adachi wavers emotionally and gradually becoming more braver and livelier because of the people around him is what made this drama worthwhile til the end.

Here’s my 2 cents to wrap up this review, there are some things that screenwriter, director or producer have to take note of when it comes to maintaining their viewers’ expectation. Teasing viewers with certain scenes that didn’t end up being delivered in the end could easily hampered with viewers’ overall experience of the drama. It is better not to tease at something that was never intended to be shown or included in script in the end.
Being able to show Adachi’s bit of validation towards Kurosawa like a peck on the forehead would have been a full circle to this story. Plus it could easily make my queer heart weak and this drama could have been an easy 10.

Special thanks to everyone who were involved in the making of this drama in the amidst of pandemic. It was enjoyable to have something endearing to look forward to every week.

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Cherry Magic!

"Cherry Magic" is a unique and heartwarming Japanese series that follows Adachi, a shy 30-year-old man who has never been in a relationship. On his 30th birthday, he magically gains the ability to read people's thoughts through touch. This power turns his life upside down, especially when he accidentally touches his co-worker, Kurosawa, who harbors romantic feelings for him.The series blends humor, romance, and fantasy in a light yet emotional way. Adachi’s innocence and Kurosawa’s caring nature create a sweet dynamic that makes the story even more touching. Viewers will be moved by Adachi’s journey.

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A disappointment. And yes, my rating is lower because of the cat.

I heard a lot of positive opinions about CM and couldn't wait to watch it but instead of a beautiful love story, I got one of the most weird and unbalanced relationships in my BL history. All Adachi does throughout the show is being awkward, nervous and tense around the person he is supposedly falling for. It's absolutely understandable at the beginning, but I really hoped that he would be very very slowly opening to Kurosawa. But no. Nothing changes when he admits that he likes him too. Nothing changes when they are in a relationship. Nothing changes when they finally have sex, which should theoretically bring them closer, make him feel more comfortable. I mean, he doesn't even want to hold Kurosawa's hand. To cuddle. To be close. Nothing. It seems to me that he didn't really fall in love, he just knew that Kurosawa truly loves him and would never hurt him and decided that being who he is, his chances to find a better, safer person are close to zero.

Kurosawa in turn is loving, patient, noble, handsome, hard-working, sensitive, smart, kind... put any positive characteristic here and yes, he has it all. He's been pining for Adachi for years, had his heart broken a number of times and he never wavers. Like seriously, is he even human? Why wasn't he even a little angry when Adachi chose his gift (which he wanted to get rid of anyway) over him? Why didn't he get even a little bit frustrated when he showered Adachi with love and affection and got absolutely nothing in return? I cannot say that his love is entirely healthy, because he is willing to sacrifice anything for Adachi, to the point where he actually loses himself and any remains of self-esteem he could have had.

I liked Tsuge as a character, he was perhaps a little too expressive, but overall him being a confined, awkward virgin was portrayed quite well. I don't really understand why Minato looked like a 15 year old, the actor himself is much older so I guess it was intentional, but it made Tsuge look exactly like a creepy uncle he didn't want to be.

And the last straw, Udon the cat. I felt so uncomfortable watching episode 5, I mean the scene when Minato visits Tsuge and plays with the cat. There is a moment when he holds Udon in his arms and the cat is twisting and squirming to get free, but Minato just grips it tighter. For a few moments the cat ends up hanging in the air, while Minato only holds it by one leg, and it looked really painful. I don't even want to think what happened to that poor animal behind the scenes.

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Awkwardly sweet

I think this is THE best Japanese BL out there. I've seen many LGBTQ dramas and all those dramas have similar aspects. Yet this drama is so refreshing. Something not done before. (I will spare you a detailed explanation of the story)

In this story there are two male (lead) characters. One of the guys can read minds and discovers that his colleague (aka the other lead) likes him. The best part is that he is totally nonjudgmental against his colleague being gay or even himself being potentially being gay. This makes the story just really sweet and a light-hearted watch.

The contrast between the two male leads, one of them being shy and one of them being confident, is reallyy cute and it is really well portrayed.

I really liked the side couple too. It made the story a whole lot funnier. Just seeing the male's best friend struggling with life and in his love life.. in my country (The NL) we call it "leedvermaak" (enjoying someone's pain-ish and struggles haha)

Overall, I'd recommend this drama. I'd recommend it more as a light watch than a really deep story (though it is about learning how to be confident and speaking up for yourself; so it has some deep subjects).

If you want to enjoy yourself and feel your heart flutter, than I'd say: "Watch this story!"

Spoiler!:
There are no kisses but the tension between the male leads makes it unnecessary. It's sweet enough! It was so sweet that I didn't even notice that there was no kiss!

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¿El mejor BL que existe? Puede ser.

Por si no lo saben, en esta serie existe una leyenda urbana que dice que si llegas virgen a los 30, te convertís en mago. Adachi, nuestro protagonista, cumple 30 años un día y se da cuenta de que ahora puede leer la mente de las personas que toca, de esa manera descubre que Kurosawa, el hombre más popular de su oficina, está enmorado de él.

Yo sé que la trama parece una estupidez, pero no les puedo explicar lo hermoso que es este dorama, lo adorables que son los personajes y lo sana y bella que es la relación que se nos muestra. Estuve gritando como fan loca desde el primer capítulo porque el fangirleo que me generaba tenía que abandonar mi cuerpo de alguna manera. Así de mucho me gustó.

Adachi y Kurosawa se convirtieron en mi pareja favorita del 2020 (y puede que de la vida, porque no tengo nada que criticarles). Además, los sentimientos de los personajes están tan bien plasmados que es imposible no creerles todo 😍
La pareja secundaria (sí, hay pareja secundaria) no tiene desperdicio, es una lástima que no aparezcan un poquito más, pero al menos tienen un capítulo especial dedicado a ellos (los spin-off también son una maravilla).

Es una serie súper sencilla, son solo 12 capítulos de 23min aprox c/u, pero a pesar de esto logra contar una historia divertida, entretenida y adorable que les va a sacar muchas (en serio, muchas) sonrisas y unos cuantos "aaawww".

Creo entonces que podría decir que Cherry Magic es más sobre lo que te hace sentir, que sobre lo que es en sí, y eso viene re bien de vez en cuando (ojo que con esto no quiero decir que se descuiden otros aspectos, nada que ver, la trama está muy bien manejada, los tiempos se llevan bien y al final se llega de la mejor manera posible).

Las actuaciones son buenas, visualmente está muy bien, los clichés que metieron me dieron vida, los personajes (incluso los terciarios) me encantaron... La amé por completo, así de simple. TODOS TIENEN QUE IR A VERLA YA.
Para cerrar solo me resta decir que si no puedo tener a Kurosawa, entonces no quiero a nadie.

IG de reseñas cortas: @altoplottwist

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