I find a young/coming-of-age drama always refreshing, and this beautiful mind was just what my heart needed at this point in time – I binged it in a day!
Before I get into this review, I want to quickly mention that this Japanese drama is adapted from a much-loved manga – “Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You” by Shiina Karuho – which has been adapted into different forms over the years.
There’s an anime on Netflix and then the 2010 movie starring the late Miura Haruma, and while I haven’t read the source material, it seems this drama adaptation isn’t the worst.
From Me To You (or Kimi Ni Todoke) follows Sawako (played by Minami Sara), a social outcast whose life changes when she finally decides to interact with people.
She’s quiet but sweet, and I absolutely loved watching her open her wings slowly and hesitantly.
In time, she built her tribe and gained two amazing, amazing friends – Ayane (Kumada Rinka) and Chizuru (Nakamura Riho) – and even found love with her longtime crush, Kazaheya Shota (Suzuka Ouji).
I really can’t say enough how uplifting and sweet this drama was, and there’s no way you won’t find Sawako endearing in how she discovers new emotions every single episode.
I loved the friendship she found with Ayane and Chizuru, and I was so happy to see her feelings about Kazehaya grow in time.
More importantly, her personal growth was so evident in the drama.
From being called Sadako by her friends to finally making a bold move to chase her dreams, it really was everything and it was so worth it by the time I got to the last episode.
The shots were beautiful and I loved their little town so, so much – it definitely made the drama feel all the more brighter – and I liked seeing the interactions between the leads and the side characters.
Romance, friendship, and growth is an intoxicating and delicate combination that needs to be tended to ever so gently because they could become muddled, but I feel this drama held it with such precious care.
You guys, I cried a whole lot in this drama and not because there were any necessarily sad scenes.
If you aren’t new to Japanese dramas, then you’re probably already used to how deeply introspective and melodramatic every genre is, and that’s what makes it all the more special.
Following Sawako develop a taste for different things in life and open herself up to going through entirely new experiences with her friends was the sweetest thing I’ve watched in a hot minute, and I’ll recommend it to anyone who needs a pick-me-up.
I genuinely feel this is the ultimate feel-good, high-school romantic Japanese drama to watch if you’re in the mood for a slice-of-life drama that’s romantic and lovely enough to keep you hooked for hours.
From Me To You: Kimi Ni Todoke is available on Netflix to watch right now, and as at the time this review is being written, it hasn’t been renewed for a new season.
And, that’s a wrap!
I really do hope my Kimi Ni Todoke review is enough to make you want to give it a chance – I have a good feeling you’ll enjoy it!
Let me know what you think in the comments below and if you’ve got any recommendations like From Me To You that you think I’d enjoy, I’m listening 🙂
And, check out the related posts below for even more awesome recs.
