Junichi (2019)

The (debatably) simplified synopsis for Junichi in my opinion really doesn't do the show justice. The premise is basic, the characters are largely simple and there is sex in almost every episode. You can take it like that at face value if you like. But this is one of those dramas that can be basic and enjoyable, or you can make it cerebral and it will still be enjoyable.

Firstly we are presented with a (handsome) young man, Junichi, who likes to have sex but maybe that's how he feels he can relate to the women he encounters? We don't know. To me Junichi is a complex character who, like most people, hides a lot of himself from others and understands that real connections with people are hard to make and they can be quite scary despite his bold and upfront desires. He is likely comfortable with himself at this level. We get to learn more about the women he sleeps with who have their own stories and they all seem happy to use him sexually for their own purpose and largely likely due to his allure, availability and willingness to get down. In each episode though, we learn a little more about him. He is emotionally elusive and appears to like his life that way. It is a very modern way of thinking and comments on society with a brutal honesty.

I feel like at the end though, it's less about his libido and the porking and more about how he and the characters learn more about themselves as the story unfolds.

What I loved was the acting. It was simple. It was honest. And there was less dialogue to lead viewers in a pointed opinion towards each specific issue presented in each episode. I appreciated this greatly. It does also help that Shison Jun is just so gorgeous. Forget that he is jarringly thin, when you get to see his eyes and his lips there's something there that even I would have a hard time not giggling like a fool if presented to me.

The music was simple. There were lots of moments without music that made each scene more relatable because in life there is often no background music. But it was effective when employed. I enjoyed the nature sounds a lot.

In all honesty, I probably would not re-watch this unless I was craving me some Shison Jun. But it was an enjoyable watch and an interesting story.

Overall Junichi is the kind of drama I personally enjoy watching. It reminds me a lot of a summers' afternoon with a gin and tonic and cucumber, or a pineapple, mint and apple juice over ice with perhaps a splash of vodka or white rum... It's been hot and dry all day but then that sea breeze hits and that is Junichi. In a nutshell. That is the feeling that this drama gives me.

I'd be interested to see if anyone else felt similarly on reflection after finishing this drama, please drop a comment and let's chat.

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