I firstly will just say, I am likely only have started this for Ryousei Yokohama. I have watched a handful of his works and the guy is just so captivating to me. I assumed that he'd be just as captivating in this Japanese drama adaptation of the Korean Drama and webtoon Nevertheless... and I was right!

Now this could get people upset at me.. but I honestly think this drama is much better than its counterpart. With the Korean version, it was a bit lengthy and therefor boring. It was boring but had great aesthetics. I will say that the original soundtrack for the Korean drama is a whole lot better, but this one gives the same aesthetic and reaches in on a deeper level. Let me explain why.

Now in the Korean version I found it overall a frustrating drama. Here and there the female lead isn't much of anything, she really doesn't have much development and is boring, naive, and stays that way! The actress here does a good job with the timidness, but to a point I wonder how exactly she lets loose and sleeps with with the ML? Here she seems a whole lot more conservative to me.. I don't know if it is the styling or not. I found it annoying in both how much focus there are on butterflies, and honestly I think the story just doesn't know what exactly it even is. Like this is NOT a romance to me, I am seriously unnerved by both portrayals of the ML, and I am sure that their respective actors knew that they were playing a lead that is a serious red flag. So my take is that maybe, just maybe, this is more of a cautionary tale.. but I know that is just not the case.

The Shapes of Love is nice with the side characters coupling up, unfortunately the main pairing is seriously unnerving that I am creeped out and left with a perpetual raised brow at whatever scene is going on between the two. I can say I like the characterization of the ML better in this adaptation.

You wonder why he is so liked, so 'special, and so arrogant. The guy seems like a fantasy man, like I wonder what seriously goes through his head. He seems to do whatever he wants without thinking he will have concequences, and has serious pretty privilege. Yokohama is very pretty, so good job with the casting there. He has got the looks to be a this seductive guy, as his visuals and gaze can play into that character very well. I like the changes where he is now an established artist that has succeeded. Put into the setting of college students who are pursing their passions with an uncertain future, it makes sense why people are jealous, and why people admire him. Ren is a successful artist, unlike the Korean drama, he has a reason to be there. He is a substitute teacher and a character that the others look up to in terms of his artistry and talent. When it comes to the ladies.. I wouldn't say anything more than being frustrated with his tactics (if that is what you call it). I don't see a sense why this had to be made, a frustrating tale in every way equals a frustrating drama. I can say I like the minor changes of aging up the characters and shifting the story. It would make a whole lot more sense to me if they could just change the story entirely... maybe have the perspective be Ren.. so you can see why he is so off-putting and arrogant.

Make something different, tell a different story. At this point it is just the same thing, a little better though! It has great production value! The good things are what they are, and it isn't bad.. it is just like.. why was this made? I don't know.. I am glad to see Ryousei on screen honestly, I could watch him all day haha. I wish he would do a melodrama.. but alas...
I kind of think it is supposed to be cautionary about not letting yourself be timid, but also not letting yourself think you are something you aren't. Like no one is special, not even this mystery man who is perfect.. he is just a guy.. we are all people.. I am just so confused here.

It is unfortunate to me when I see a competent cast with a great budget using itself towards something like this. A. it was done before. B. it was done and wasn't even good. This story simply is one that doesn't need to be told or retold. Each adaptation I believe was missing what was trying to be told. Or maybe there wasn't something to be told anyways?