Barakamon (2023)

Warm and fuzzy with good mix of comedy and emotional moments

This was one of my favourite Jdrama so far. I did not watch the manga and anime, so I don't have a point of reference to compare. But this drama was really good in making me laugh a lot with the comedic and cute moments. This is really difficult considering I am not a big fan of comedy as a lot of time, they aren't done properly. Besides the comedic moments, there's also the part where it will make you tear a lot. I think the background music also adds a lot to the atmosphere of the drama and acts as a good supporting role especially for the emotional moments.

I really like the themes explored in the show such as adulting anxiety as it's really relatable to me since I am also at the stage of an early young adult navigating what I am going to be doing in the future. And Yosuke Sugino nailed the role as an unconfident and awkward but talented calligrapher. This was coming from the point where I have watched his earlier works and I can definitely attest to how much he have grown as an actor. Risa also nailed her role as Naru as she had many scenes that required her to cry on the spot and as a young actress, that was really commendable! And her chemistry with Sugino in a sensei-disciple relationship is really in another level. The other young actors and actresses were really good too! Especially for Hiroshi, whom I can totally feel his dilemma and hesitation of deciding if he wants to pursue a career in culinary.

Another highlight was the episode when granny Yasu passed away, it was done so beautifully and realistically and a much reminder of how we eventually have to face our certain future of dying. There were so many amazing stories in this drama and totally worth to rewatch especially if you are feeling down.

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