Animals (2022)

Romantic and Inspirational

Story:

It's nothing new, but it's told in a way that feels so fresh! It deals with the relatable struggles of work life, going with the flow vs. challenging yourself and following your dreams. It seems obvious, but it's actually really hard to take the first step into living a life for yourself instead of living it to fulfill other's expectations.

At the starting point, Umi is overworked and unhappy and doesn't like the person she's become. After meeting Kazao by chance, she begins to want to change herself, and she starts a journey into becoming a person she loves, growing up in the process. There's actually real growth for all characters involved. The story and the dialogues are so well written that the drama progresses very naturally. And, even though the theme may be serious, it has a lot of funny and warm moments.

A few of the most memorable scenes for me were the reccurent after work ramen, gyoza and beer scenes, that created an intimate environment where the main characters were allowed to unwind - these scenes were truly precious and cathartic (and the ramen shop owner was sublime even with almost zero lines haha).

Side note: Don't be fooled by the drama poster into thinking this is another superficial and silly sexyromcom, this is a drama about adults being adults, it has a meaningful message and is filled with the nutritious kind of sweetness. The poster is actually the only thing I didn't like about the drama, because it doesn't fit at all.

Acting/Cast:

This is my first time seeing Suzuki Airi and Honda Kyoya and I loved them as Umi and Kazao, they really became their characters. Suzuki Airi's range was particularly impressive, acing the comedy and making us feel the pain along with her. Honda Kyoya is incredibly charming in a nonchalant way and made me fall head over heels in love with Kazao, breaking all ML stereotypes out there.

I also need to mention Shirasu Jin and Izuka Kenta and their entertaining and heartwarming bromance, as Keisuke and Satoru. I hadn't seen them in this kind of role before and they delivered. Kudos to them.

Music:

There is silence when there needs to be, and there's also music beautifully woven into the scenes, making them even more impactful and emotional. It's really done right.

I have "Gloomy Day" by Lozareena playing on a loop for weeks, now. It's a really great song, and it really fits with the drama.

"Just face forward, run, run until I can run
That's what I thought I should do
I kept fooling myself and losing my confidence
Even though I'm the hero of my own story
I got my mind made up
Run, run and run"

Rewatch Value:

I've already rewatched it, so... ^^
Definitely a drama to (re)watch when you're losing confidence in yourself, when you're feeling hopeless or when you just want to watch the sweetest romance. It will lift your spirits, give you courage and warm your heart.

Overall:
10/10 for me.

On a very personal note, this drama came just at the right time! I finally mustered up the courage to leave my job of 11 years... Oof. On the morning I finally made the decision, I was walking to work screaming inside my head the lyrics to "Gloomy Day" ("HASHIRE HASHIRE HASHIRE!").

I don't know what the future holds, but you only live once, and only you have the power to try to change yourself and chase after your dreams. Ganbatte!

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