Watched this drama more than a decade ago, and had wanted to rewatch it before doing a proper review about a year ago. But couldn’t find a watchable version. Finally found a watchable version and watched it (complete with the drama special) within a few days, so here’s my drama review.

= In short =

A timeless drama that’s really easy to watch, and absolutely bingeable over a weekend - it’s fun, silly and hilarious, yet heartwarming and healing, with a simple plot (that offers deep meanings for the reflective viewers at different life stages), superb OSTs that weaved flawlessly throughout the drama and five charming leads. Plus it is just 12 episodes at ~50mins per episode.

This is also probably the Grandmaster of bromance (i.e. simple, pure, deep friendship between two guys, and nothing else) and beach/village healing dramas. Be absolutely charmed by the two male leads’ unlikely deep and pure friendship, and longing for a “Does it matter, it’s summer now” beach vacation this summer to heal the mind and soul.

*Trivia: This drama was so successful when it first aired that it led to a craze for Beach Boys-style summer beach vacation and fashion then and also had a 2.5h drama special sequel Beach Boys Special (1998) with the same cast. Well, perhaps (just saying) this drama inspired the Uniqlo casual wear trend!

= In details =

* Story: The drama is on 2 city guys who were both lost in their own lives, escaping to a beach B&B homestay, building deep friendships with each other and the homestay folks and finding purpose, meaning and direction in their lives from the homestay folks and visitors. Each of the 5 charming leads (the 2 city guys and the 3 homestay folks) have their own backstories, for which they eventually find closure.

The drama reflects the longingness and hesitations of young adults, to chase dreams and real happiness and find their own oceans, that are especially relevant today. Plus every episode offers quotable quote(s) and life lesson(s).. these quotes/lessons are usually accompanied by the piano piece of the theme song “Forever”. For example: Episode 1: The ocean connects people from near and afar. Episode 2: Simple is best. Episode 3: I don’t want to be pushed around by anyone. When I want to come back, I will, even when no one asks me to..

(When MDL article issue is fixed, I have plans to do an editorial review to better introduce the drama and the 5 leads. Do keep a lookout)

* Acting/Cast: The role portrayals and chemistry of these 5 leads are flawless. Whether you are a school student, a working adult, or a retiree, you can easily resonate with one or more lead(s)/characters in this drama and marvel how nice it would be to be one of the fivesome in the drama.

* Music: The OSTs blend perfectly into the drama are also absolutely replayable on one’s playlist. Check out ”Forever” (all three versions), “Sing a Love Song For Me” and “Bright Lights Big City”, just to name a few.

* Rewatch Value: Timeless and highly rewatchable – you can expect to have the same enjoyment of the hilarious, silly, fun moments and at the same time be inspired differently watching it at different stages of your life.

What could have been improved:
1. There’s one thing I absolutely dislike about this drama - it is the numerous scenes of the adults smoking away. Perhaps it is the Japanese way of life?
2. The 2.5h drama special is a disservice to the original drama series. The story in this special is both a waste of: (1) The character developments built up in the original series, and (2) The return of the original cast and OSTs. I was absolutely disappointed and also pissed with the two male leads in the drama special, just like Makoto in the special drama.