If It’s With You (2023) Season 1 Review – A great Japanese Bl drama

 

Season 1

 

 

Episode Guide

Episode 1 – | Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 2 – | Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 3 – | Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 4 – | Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 5 – | Review Score – 4.5/5

If It’s With You is a Japanese BL drama based on the webtoon of the same name. The live action adaptation stars Hyuga Wataru as Yamasuge Ryuuji and Okura Takato as Kaido Amane. The drama charts the beginning of Amane and Ryuuji’s friendship and eventual love story. 

The drama is set in the quaint town of Enoshima. Amane is a gay individual but he is not confident to come out of the closet yet. After facing a rebuttal from one of his former classmates about homosexual relations, Amane puts up an act of being funny and cool. He acts playful around everyone and if he does like anyone, he keeps the relationship purely physical.

In Enoshima, he meets Yamasuge Ryuuji. The two form an unlikely bond of friendship. Amane feels that he might feel more than just physical desire towards Ryuuji. After days of hanging out with Ryuuji and getting to know him, Amane affirms that he wants to date Ryuuji and confesses. 

Ryuuji is a foil to Amane’s character. Where Amane is bright and bubbly, Ryuuji is more meticulous and careful. Having shouldered his family’s responsibility at a young age, he is quiet and keeps to himself mostly. Upon Amane’s confession, Ryuuji does not leave him hanging for a reply. Ryuuji is himself confused about his emotions and whether what he feels for Amane is more than friendship.

The drama charts a natural progression of friendship between Amane and Ryuuji. There is no toxic behaviour or any red flags to spot in both these characters. Some might argue that Amane’s apprehension to be honest and his pretense of being straight might cause some hiccups in their relationship down the line. Perhaps with Ryuuji’s love and support, Amane will finally drop his pretense completely and not be shy or afraid to tell the world that he loves a boy.

Despite being a drama of such a limited duration, If It’s With You is a delight. As little as they are, Enoshima’s glimpses throughout the show are quite refreshing to see. The sea that glitters gold in the sun; a shrine that promises a breath of peace and the small shops and a market that showcases the old world charm of the town. Each of these aspects might make you want to visit the town.

If you want to indulge in a short yet progressive story featuring adorable leads, then do give If It’s With You a shot. Right from the OST, the visuals, the acting and of course the plotline, If It’s With You will make you smile and want to see more of Amane and Ryuuji’s story! s


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    8/10
8/10

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