Host Sozokushi Chaimashita (2023)

The characters are amazing, the story is mid. Worth watching tho

Great overall! Kind of harem-like romance but make it not annoying & realistic and you'll get this show exactly. The plot is there too, obviously, although sometimes a bit too predictable.
Big green flags I'd like to specifically point out:
- a bunch of different host characters for all those tropes you know but real-life versions;
- supporting characters have decent backstories and are actually interesting;
- LGBT representation done properly (pleasant surprise!);
- female MC is actually well-written and likable;
- Yagi Yusei as one of the MCs (I may be biased but guys, he's SO good, bless the casting managers)

However, sometimes I couldn't shrug off the weird feeling I'm watching a manga adaptation (despite it not being one). The camera angles, the storytelling patterns, some of the acting, even the plot itself was a bit too 2D for me. My guess is that at the end of the day, a harem-like host-club series would be inspired by mostly 2D tropes. It's not a big problem but something to keep in mind - if you're into more serious stuff you might get uncomfortable.

And just like many 2D works, the romance is thrilling, some moments are EXTREMELY cute, some are kinda hot, you get those butterflies for sure, but in the end plot-wise it's as predictable as always. I'm not leaving any spoilers here, but I'm pretty sure AT LEAST HALF of people will NOT like the ending.

Still, I do recommend it, it's fun in its simplicity and easy to watch. The tension is just right but I also didn't feel too anxious about stopping in the middle, aching to watch the next episode, so in case you don't have enough time to watch it one go, have no worries!

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Better than I expected

With how the first two to three episodes played out, I wasn't sure if this drama was going to be anything memorable as it was only decent and I wasn't so fond of the main girl seeming to just be dragged along and being helpless for being ignorant but then I realised it was just a set up for her adjusting to a new environment and controversial workplace. They did a great job in showing the darker side of the host industry, even the clientele aspect too and other industries linked with it. Many of the host characters grew really likeable, a lot of humourous moments too. I'd say the biggest downside was the short span of episode. I think it played a part in making the romance aspect far too underdeveloped so when it happened, I couldn't feel it. That, and one other character confessing didn't feel that reasonable, either but thankfully, it hardly hindered the conflict in the stories so I could brush it over. And I really wanted longer bonding scenes with Kumi and the hosts and other staff like Nassy. The little moments really had me wishing for more.
Would probably rewatch with a friend or for my favourite characters, Gaku, Nassy and King New XD

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