Japan series are an whole other level of quality
I don't like sad series or movies but this show is for sure an exception.I need to give it 10 stars because everything about this series is just perfect. It has amazing acting skills (you can feel their love through the way they look at each other), storyline, cinematography and the script which is extremely philosophical and meaningful. It's not the typical bl love story, it is completely different and unique. Makes you think about the meaning of life and how you should care and enjoy every little moment with the ones you love.
Japan deserves more recognition for their bl series, some of them really outstand from the other countries, this series is one of them. The ranking should be at least a 9!
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A beautiful yet bittersweet story, one about love, death, and learning to let go
I was really surprised, 8 short episodes of stories, yet every single one filled me with such strong emotions. Koichi and Mitsuru's relationship is just absolutely beautiful, from their first time meeting, to their last farewell. I was blown away by their amazing acting, the way they could portray such strong emotions, how they managed to capture the complex characters and emotions.This series portrayed the stages of grief through Mitsuru's experiences after Koichi's 'death', and it was amazing. Mitsuru tries as hard as he could to hold on, and Koichi also tries as hard as he could to humour Mitsuru. But afterall, everything must come to an end. It was when they both came to the realisation - that this could no longer go on - that my heart utterly shattered into pieces for them, yet i was glad, so very glad it happened.
Indeed, the one who gets left behind always suffers more than the one who leaves, and while Mitsuru did let go knowing that Koichi was suffering too, he promised to never forget Koichi. He will always love him, and Koichi will always be his number one. And that itself is maturing, learning to let go, and to treasure what they had. Perhaps Mitsuru will meet and see Koichi's spirit in the future as he did his mother, perhaps Mitsuru may find and love another, but his memories with Koichi will forever be precious.
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this is genius
okay. There are only a handful of BL series or films that I will never ever forget. This is one of them. The acting, the cinematography, the direction, the acting, the writing, everything. I watched it so many months ago and it still haunts me. I can't begin to describe how powerful and beautiful it is. You have to experience it. It's what BL should and could be.That being said I warn you that the end will gut you in ways you don't expect. Not dramatic but heart wrenching. Every time I see the title on World of BL or other places I tear up and move quickly on. If this is making you not want to see it, ignore me. Just warning you that you are in for something so rare and amazing and surprising.
I gave it 10's across the board but only a three for re-watching because I can't again without losing it and I don't know who could in their right mind. Maybe I can in time.
But it is a must see.
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We are each others’ number one, for all eternity
I’ve been spoiled and read several warnings about this show yet I still decided to brace it and see it for myself. Ahh yes, the reviews are all right, this drama hurts me so much. That’s why it has been raining so much since the pilot episode because they surely left us in tears. It was a good cry from a wonderful yet sorrowful love story.I was not expecting it to be in a supernatural and mystery genre. It was a short yet the most meaningful time for the main couple. The unforeseen accident was miserable but a miracle happened, Koichi became a living corpse and froze his own time. I love the creative reasoning behind the meaning of Eternal Yesterday as the title of the drama. The main characters are always and will always be living from the precious memories of the past. The recollection of Mitchan's moments with Koichi.
From the beginning until the end, this show never failed to burst me into tears. All the characters are so lovely and the way that they produced the story of the main characters is just heartwarming. I might be too late to finish this story but I will never regret sinking myself into one of the greatest romances that I’ve seen in all BLs.
“You’re still my number one. I love you the most.”
“Mitchan, thank you for the miracle.”
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This series have another color to the story
At first, i want to review each episode after i watch it immediately. However, after watching the 3rd episode i couldn't gather my will power to stop watching and review it. Instead, i keep going from the 4th episode until finish.This week i watch a few different series back to back. So when i watched the 1st episode I thought it will be another generic love story where the main characters are the opposite of each other. One is popular and chatty and the other are gloomy and quiet. But the storey give a twist at the 2nd episode which makes me wonder for the rest of the story.
I like this series because it gives another eye opener story to me.
This is a story where you know it'll be a bit of sad ending but also makes you want to watch the rest of the story. (note: i'm not a fan of sad ending)
Both the main character reminds me that they're can change. Koichi is very bright and always put others before him also he tends to bring himself to cheer others even when he's not. but at the end of the story he changed. he realized that he can have a variety of emotions. and Oumi also changed. he relized he can be a warmth to someone and he can stop building walls around him.
my selfish opinion for this series : if this series has a happy ending i'd give it 9 stars for sure
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isn't a love story, but a hope story,
A masterpiece, damm I can't deny I LOVE the soundtrack and all the sounds effects of the serie, reminds me the sounds of Evangelion and thats WONDERFUL, because they are both masterpieces, I really cannot deny that they catch me, and the drama is sad, that's undeniable. But the colors of the story are incredible, I feel a mix of good and bad feelings watching this two beautiful and talents guys (of course the story is something more than the romance, I know about all that stuff, but let's focus on the romance). The actors did a great job, the lead roles too, the production was amazing, I really wish they took the direction of ep 4, but I'm satisfield with the end, I cry, I smile, it's hard to put in words, is so deep and lovely at the same time, the main point isn't a love story, but a hope story, that's why is totally catching.Was this review helpful to you?
An emotional experience of Love and Loss
This isn't just any BL series; it's an extraordinary experience. Eien no Kinou captures the audience with its unique blend of folklore-inspired storytelling, crafting a captivating and emotionally charged work of art that demands admiration. It also challenges the traditional notions of reality and the afterlife.The narrative revolves around Yamada Koichi and Oumi Mitsuru, two high school students with starkly different personalities. Koichi, an outgoing and athletic individual, forms an unlikely friendship with the socially awkward loner, Mitsuru. As their bond deepens, they confess their feelings for one another. However, their lives take a tragic turn when Koichi survives a life-altering accident, leaving him as a living corpse. Together, Koichi and Mitsuru must navigate the aftermath of this change while striving to preserve their relationship.
What sets this series apart is its departure from clichéd tropes. Gone are the unreasonable and immature characters fueled solely by passion, battling against an antagonist's interference. Instead, Eien no Kinou offers a grounded portrayal, delving into mature themes of death, heartbreak, and the profound impact of loss. The characters' conversations and perspectives transcend their high school years, enriched by unique family backgrounds and early maturity. Mitsuru, having lost his mother and bearing the weight of his father's complicated affair with a junior doctor, reveals his stoic yet deeply devoted nature. Koichi, hailing from a loving family, unveils hidden layers through a poignant exploration of his past. Together, they navigate the four stages of grief, painting a vivid portrait of the human psyche through Mitsuru's introspective monologues.
Komiya Rio's portrayal of Koichi is commendable, building upon his previous remarkable performance in Grand Guignol. However, it is Inoue Sora's depiction of Mitsuru that truly steals the spotlight. His passionate portrayal of a seemingly cold character harboring immense love for Koichi, ready to defy the world, is nothing short of captivating. Inoue's nuanced acting shines through Mitsuru's brokenness and flaws, forging an undeniable chemistry between the two leads.
In conclusion, Eien no Kinou is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a rewarding watch for those who are looking for a well-made and emotionally engaging story.
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Watch if you have some extra tears to spare
《SPOILER AHEAD》This is a love story depicted in the form of grief. From Denial to acceptance it has portrayed every stage without making it too obvious. With a bit of supernatural hint, it takes on a journey of losing the loved one "with" the loved one. Anyone who has lost someone close to him/her, and not just significant other can relate to many or the shows moments.
from being thrilled to being a living corpse, to seeing the complications of being a living corpse and why it's too much to bear. and how no one can be blamed at the end, it depicts these thing beautifully...
so yeah, if you're looking for HE this is not for you, but nonetheless, go ahead and try this
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Depressing, but Memorable.
This drama is steeped in sepulchral undertones and it's evident that the entire message has a chance of missing its mark. It's not a 'story' per se, rather the journey of the characters in particular.There is no mincing of words – An introverted, intelligent high-schooler, Mitsuru, loses his person, the popular Yamada Koichi in an accident, which happened right beside him. But, the ‘dead’ Koichi gets up in spite of clearly fatal injuries that should have killed him.
Mitsuru now helps his ‘living corpse’ of a friend to get back on track, but he starts to slowly realize that his presence is the only thing that keeps Koichi corporeal.
As a viewer, it's painful to watch as it is evident that Mitsuru was in self denial. He keeps trying to come up with reasons for Koichi to stick around and Koichi, knowing him, attempts his very best to keep Mitsuru happy.
In a way, Mitsuru, a usually quiet individual, speaks up and tries to get Koichi to live out his last wishes.
Mitsuru is a particularly hard character to play without appearing emotionless, so kudos to the actor for not making him seem indifferent. Koichi was much easier, but his story was sad in a way.
I watched this in January, and right now, all I can remember is Mitsuru crying. Hence, why I used the word 'memorable' fir the title.
It's depressing from start till the end. Maybe that's the pain of losing someone.
It's good for a slow watch, but I'll not suggest it to anyone who has had a difficult time getting over the death of a loved one.
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Predetermined sadness and a grief never coped with
This is a sad story, with a sad beginning and, unsurprisingly, a foreseeable sad ending. I sort of liked the plot, but I am rather indecisive regarding the acting. The story is just a miracle which happened due to love. So far so good. It becomes clear from the onset that this miracle has an expiration date and that it is all about coping with sadden loss. The idea is rather genuine, but the realization quite stylized in a typical Japanese manga fashion. Unfortunately, the developing of the characters (mainly of the one left behind) is unsatisfying - after 8 episodes the mourning lover has not come to terms with what happened, in fact he has not really progressed at all. If the story had some comic instances in-between, I might had forgiven this, but alas this is not the case. So we are left with an unresolved emotional burden (no catharsis, no absolution, no new hope). Perhaps, if the penultimate scene replaced the last one, we would at least have been left with a shimmer of hope.Generally, the story feeds on the emotional distress induced by the sadness of the event (but not the ensuing plot), offers a predetermined unavoidable course of events. It generally falls under the definition of a kitsch movie/series, namely one that gives no food for thought and just evokes tears through pre-chewed emotions (very much like your typical tele-novella, simply in a more artistic Japanese style).
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Worth It
Oh boy. As soon as I started watching this, I knew it was going to be a sad ending. I could sense it from the cinematography, from the actors, from the plot itself. However, that didn't detract from the show, I think it actually enhanced it. There are some stories that are only good because of the bittersweet-ness. If this had had a happy ending, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much since it wouldn't have been as poignant a story.If you know me, you know I don't generally like sad stories. "Why watch sad stuff when there's already so much sad stuff in the world?" I always say. But this, this is the exception. When the story is so good, the plot and the actors and the writing is so well done, I get it.
So let's get to it.
First, the acting. While I've seen better acting, I do think the actors did really well. It's hard to convey the complex emotions this show requires. Grief and love are not easy emotions, and I think Komiya and Inoue did wonderfully given that they don't have a lot of acting experience as the main characters. Personally I think Inoue had the harder job -- it's hard to portray a character that is stoic most of the time and has to act more with micro-expressions. I think he did a really good job with that. I'd also like to shout out Otomo's portrayal of Kagami -- I really liked her character, she did well with the relatively little screentime she had.
As for the plot itself, I liked it a lot. The pacing was done beautifully with the exception of the last episode -- I felt there were a bit too many plot reveals at the very end, but I also don't know where else I would put them in the story. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the writing -- this is definitely one of those shows that makes you realize how beautiful life and love is, exactly because you can see it ending. It makes you realize just how special the sweet is because of the bitter.
Do I think everyone should watch this? No. There are some people who won't like this type of story. But I do think if you're on the fence, you should give it a shot. I didn't regret it, and I don't think you will either.
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Underrated, Quirky and Heartwarming
I started watching this to pass the time, but this drama surpassed my expectations. It's quirky and has a sad undertone right from the start but it's sweet and heartwarming. At the heart of the show is how to deal with grief and they handled it well. Koichi and Mitchan are so sweet together. You can feel their love through the screen.The internal monologues, which are something I'm usually not fond of because they can be so cringey, are really well done and felt genuine. I love contrasts between the Koichi and Mitchan's personalities and they really complement each other. Their story progresses naturally and you really see the character development especially Mitchan's.
The timeline at the beginning felt a little odd and the supernatural stuff isn't really explained, but that's not too important. Watch this drama for the characters and the love they have for each other. As someone who doesn't usually like sad endings I must say that it was warranted here and really well done. Any other ending wouldn't have fit the story
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