Kimi ni wa Todokanai. (2023)

Cute & Sweet With Earnest & Thoughtful Characters.

Edit Jan 2024: increased my ratings after re-watching with proper subtitles after the international release. These two boys do actually put effort into communicating with each other, and keep trying even though they are interrupted at almost every turn. I think the only thing that didn't interrupt them was an animal, lol.

A simple but very well done childhood friends to lovers story with good acting, soft cinematography, and no unlikable characters. Lots of mutual uncertainty and sweetness. All angst is resolved by the end.

An easy watch with eight 20min episodes. Also known as "I Cannot Reach You".

In the USA, I first watched it in Nov 2023 with fan subtitles, which were obviously awkward but better than nothing. In Dec 2023 it was released internationally and became available on Neflix and I re-watched it. The proper subtitles made a big difference! It noticeably increased my enjoyment and satisfaction with the characters, their bond, and their efforts at navigating their complex feelings with each other. Though I tried to give the dialogue a pass in my initial review because of the circumstances, I have now raised my rating a full star (to 9/10). I will watch again.

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The perfect first love story.

This drama is an absolute gem and a perfect introduction to BL for those who haven't watched any before. The storyline is light and follows the classic childhood friends-turned-lovers plot, making for a very innocent and heartwarming high school love story. The lack of major conflict between the main characters, Kakeru and Yamato, is refreshing and the few misunderstandings that do occur are due to unspoken feelings, which is a common theme in Japanese BL series.

What I appreciate most about this drama is that there is no pressure or force of feelings in either of the characters. Yamato has been concealing his feelings and is not pressuring Kakeru to accept his feelings, while Kakeru is trying to figure out his own feelings at his own pace. The cinematography and choice of filming locations are also excellent, portraying the magic of love in various ways, with sparks flying whenever the characters express their feelings for each other.

The actors, Maeda Kentaro and Kashiwagi Haru, who play Yamato and Kakeru respectively, are both exceptional in their roles. Maeda Kentaro brings out Yamato's cool, perfect-all-rounder vibes, and his eyes are simply mesmerizing. Kashiwagi Haru, despite his young age, perfectly portrays Kakeru's shy, cheerful, and friendly character, making it hard to believe that he was born in 2005. Overall, this drama is a must-watch for anyone who loves a heartwarming love story.

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Sweet romance

This was a very short series, but it packed so much heart into it. I was able to believe every word and they did this without any of the tropes being over done or even present. The little details of each interaction sold the story.

The story is nothing special, as friends fall in love all the time, but the execution of it in this series was well done. The small details that made the other wonder but could never quite figure out why made it seem natural. They are supposed to be best friends and that seemed to be the main driving force behind everything. It was really well paced with the romance building without being outright, the glances the unexplained annoyances when the other spent too much time with someone else. It was all great and the fact that they had great friends was a nice touch. This complimented everything about the story, as the advice from the secondary friends were always spot on. It was a perfect example of how friends should be with each other in real life.

The acting was spot on from both leads and their chemistry was undeniable. They played well off of each other and really conveyed that jealous boyfriend energy well. This also worked well for their best friend dynamic and the supporting cast was also on point.

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Friends-to-lovers: Simple, Repetitive, Nothing new.

The title, “I Cannot Reach You”is so accurate. Yamato spent the whole drama trying to reach Kakeru. If that’s the type of drama you enjoy - shy, awkward, unsure, simple teen romance - then this might be for you.

However, to me personally, it takes too long to reach Kakeru. Nothing much really happens and the drama can be summed up into a few points:
Yamato couldn’t control his feelings for Kakero anymore but doesn’t want to jeopardize the friendship (repeat this every episode).
Kakeru is confused about Yamato’s actions and his own feelings (repeat this for 70% of the drama).
Yamato and Kakeru are constantly being interrupted during pivotal moments (repeat this for 70% of the drama).

I also find the acting below average. There’s a way to act awkward, shy and cute. But I find Yamato too awkward (especially in the earlier episodes) and Kakeru acting way too cute. Maybe I am too old for this drama or I’ve seen too many already. This drama doesn’t bring anything new. However, this could be a gentle and easy watch for someone who just needs a breather. I might have liked this more if the acting is better and if there are more cute and fluffy moments.


Completed: 12/25/2023 - Review #387

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TOO basic Bl plot and a lot of cringe

The worst scenes are when people interrupt their *progress* and interactions in the dumbest ways. The shorter guy is just unbearable. He acts like a manga character (well most characters do) but it doesnt translate well into a live action drama. The cliches are overused. At least its good for a laugh :)) The tall guy kinda saves the drama. He’s a good actor and the character is likeable and not cringy.

Kinda spoiler territory: the “cupid” is also unbearable. JUST WHY CANT THEY COMMUNICATE IF THEY ARE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS???? and they need some rando who is just another cliche.

Not the most organised review ik

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The softest teen angst you've ever seen

My god this was so sweet and light I think I strained some face muscles from grinning so much.
This show's premise may be nothing new, but it manages to depict the struggles of falling for your best friend and the sheer, horrifying exhilaration of first love so well, it borders on perfection.
At first I was a bit put off by the almost aggressive wholesomeness of the series and the constant sparkles every time something vaguely romantic happens, but dammit they won me over alright.
The writing is genuinely great and the entire cast delivers such engaging and believable performances that it's a real challenge not to fall in love with the characters.
They're all just such good kids, trying their best to be there for one another and I really can't think of any way to describe the whole thing other than "genuinely heartwarming"
There is essentially no external conflict in the series, no antagonists, no dramatic plot twists, nothing of the sort. Instead, the story focuses on our two leads figuring out their feelings and learning how to communicate with one another, giving each other space to process their changing relationship and carefully consider their choices all the while.
One slight trigger warning I have to mention, however, is a scene in which one of the characters doesn't stop his physical advances on the other until he's been asked to stop three times.
Personally, in light of how well the fallout of this event is handled and how deeply loving and respectful the characters' relationship is overall, I found I could just about stomach that scene. If you are sensitive to these issues, you may want to proceed with caution though.

All in all, if you want to see an incredibly soft, yet grounded high-school romance reminiscent of beloved classics such as Kieta Hatsukoi and Kamisama no Ekohiiki, or are simply looking for a light, wholesome rom-com to while away a rainy day, then this show is perfect for you.

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Wasted Time

I'll start with a positive - the actors are really cute, and the guy playing Ohara is talented, with good subtlety of expression, and his eyes are beyond stunning. The guy playing Yamato is less impressive, although I doubt that's his fault as he was clearly directed to act like a manga character, which didn't work in live action. It rarely does.

The writing is abyssmal, stuffed with every possible cliche, and lazy beyond belief, with EVERY SINGLE important conversation or almost-kiss interrupted, often by the very people trying to get them together. This happened several times per episode, to the point I stopped caring and wondered where Godzilla is when you need him.

When everything is driven (or rather tha brakes applied) by ridiculous, contrived external events, some unbelievably coincidental - as if Tokyo is so small that you can't go anywhere without running into someone that wil ruin your relationship - there is no character development or organic development of the relationship, which was already there because of the childhood friends cliche. The only thing about this that I liked is that Yamato knew Ohara liked him, but consciously tried to deny to himself that he knew because he was afraid it would mess up their friendship.

I get that this is a chaste high-school drama, but there's a point where something is so devoid of heat that it's hard to understand why they should change their status as best friends. There are a couple of kisses, which were awful and destroyed by the obession with cliches, so that Yamato always had to have his eyes wide with shock, even when he was expecting to be kissed, which made it come off as vaguely non-consensual - not so much so that it was disturbing, but it left them totally without any quality that made it something I wanted to watch.

This is frustrating and ultimately boring and is the last JBL I will ever attempt to watch. I would pass, altough most otherpeople seemed to like it.

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Uncharted Hearts: A Youthful Sonata of Love and Hesitation

Upon the curtain fall of the fifth episode, my hesitation to draft a review for this ongoing BL manga, and its live-action counterpart, melted away. Dive in, there’s no room for disappointment here.

In the BL cosmos, it's almost scripted for two matching boys to find their narrative arc together. Yet, reality scripts a different, more complex drama where fate and attraction are merely the opening act, setting stage for a play of courage and cognizance. The celebration of romance, regardless of age, echoes through the story, especially poignant among childhood buddies embarking on uncharted emotional terrains.

The narrative delicately explores the dance of hesitation spun from long-held familiarity, where the fear of confession could cue a bitter end, and the quiet guarding of hearts against potential heartache takes center stage, more so when a third character enters the plot. Yamato’s emotional whirl finds a universal echo, his affection for Kakeru a tender tune played cautiously, fearing an overwhelmed audience in Kakeru.

The plot truly sparkles when it unveils Kakeru’s silent yet profound regard for Yamato, unknowingly casting him in a leading role in his life's script. Much like their classmate Hosaka Yui, we, the audience, find ourselves on the edge of our seats, almost urging the script along towards their destined union. Hosaka, an unsolicited mentor, channels our chorus of encouragement to Yamato, lending a vibrant note to the narrative.

This youthful love melody, flowing with the serene grace akin to the waters beneath Kyoto's Togetsukyo Bridge, paints a calm yet poignant picture of adolescent love. Anxiously awaiting its Netflix debut, for a broader audience to bask in its soft, tender narrative.

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Love this one...

For me - the one person who makes this short series worth watching is Kakeru. Love his expressive delivery - no matter what he is saying - you want to watch and listen to him say it. When he first gets his schoolwork back and sees he has to do more to bring the grade up - his whole body tells the story. Yamato - while he does a great job - we have seen it before. I did love how he found a way to take any moment of physical contact and ask for it to be extended. Nothing like we see in Thai dramas with BLs but, just a hug or, when they are hiding - to not move for a few more moments.

Kashiwagi Haru (Kakeru) reminds me of Masaki Suda from Don't Call it Mystery. Expressive and fun to watch and listen to.

Like others have mentioned - no worries of friends or, classmates giving anyone a hard time - it is just part of life - refreshing and keeps the story on track. I will like coming back to this one for favorite scenes and episodes. I have to admit that I am a sucker for when a character takes care of another when they are ill or, injured.

The main frustration is in the lazy writing and direction. Part of the reason they can't communicate their feelings is the spontaneous friends always showing up to break up their conversation or, completely ruin their plans. Where is the respect? Why didn't either of them ever say - if you could just give us a moment to finish our conversation - we'll join you in a few minutes. Why was it okay for that friend to put all their books and plans away like what they want didn't matter - without even asking. Again - lazy writing and lazy direction. Forgivable but, it explains the lower scores from other reviewers.

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Warm, touching depiction of pining

Yes, I'm aware that this drama is about two childhood friends slowly discovering new feelings they have for each other and coming to terms with the changes in their relationship, which is something that has been shown multiple times in other stories as well. With this high score I'm not trying to say that this drama is revolutionary, groud-breaking, or anything like that. All I can say is that it was touching, warm, and just so lovely to watch.

Yamato and Kakeru are two childhood friends who are also very different from each other. Yamato is smart, good in all the school subjects and in pretty much anything he attempts to do, conventionally attractive (based on the number of times girls are shown fawning about him), and also very shy and introverted, with Kakeru as his only true friend at the beginning of the story. On the other hand, Kakeru is really not good as school and doesn't seem to excell at anything at all, which causes him to have lots of problems with his self-esteem, but he's also kind and thoughtful, and very good at making friends and getting along with people. It's instantly obvious how fond Yamato is of Kakeru and their friendship, but Kakeru is also blatantly proud of Yamato and somewhat protective of him. Their dynamic was absolutely endearing, I can already see myself going back to certain episodes to rewatch their moments together.
I was afraid that the story could feel too slow, or like it wasn't developing properly, but in the end I was actually satisfied: the two of them don't resolve their problems and conflicts in a heartbeat, that's for sure, but they don't waste their (and our) time with excessive overthinking, and the blossoming of their romance is steady and well-paced. I also appreciated the fact that while there is a certain amount of angsty feelings, it never gets too heavy, and there's a quite satisfying amount of fluffiness as well.
The secondary characters weren't explored all that much and they were there basically as tools for the main characters' story to go forward, but this is a short drama (only 8 episodes of about 20 minutes each), so I wasn't expecting much to begin with and I can't say that I'm unsatisfied with this. If anything, I appreciated the fact that Hosaka seemed to have his personal BGM every time he had an important scene for himself.

I didn't feel like giving a 10 to this drama because, in my opinion, Yamato and Kakeru deserved an even better depiction of two best friends, but that's just my personal preference. Overall, I absolutely recommend it to whoever is in the mood for a simple drama about high-school romance!

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I LOVE THIS!!

They're so cute, I'm crying. This is easily one of the best series I've watched this year.

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