SUMMARY: Nozue is a manager at a business firm about to reach his 40 yrs of life. He is an empty man just going through life with no ambition, no hobbies, and no interest. Such a boring life has him going through a mid-life crisis until 29 yr old Togawa, his subordinate, approaches him with his straightforward personality. At Togawa's suggestion, they go on an 'anti-aging' project to help Nozue with his troubles.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming slice-of-life drama! I've already heard many positive reviews from this series, and after finishing it, I see now that all of them were true.
Old Fashion Cupcake is my favorite Japanese BL drama of 2022! This is a concept we don't see often focusing on middle-aged men. The idea of Togawa helping Nozue slowly but surely has my heart in shambles. In this steady plot, we'll see the two of them change each other into better versions of themselves, learning how to love life more each day they're together.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THEIR CHARACTER RELATIONSHIP
The series itself is a green flag. Nozue and Togawa are grown adults with emotional maturity. It's such a refreshing difference to see them talk to each other with clear heads and understanding of their circumstances.
We see these personality dynamics in manga: the oblivious and carefree older character (Nozue) with the deeply in love 'senpai pls notice me' younger character (Togawa). It's one of my favorite dynamics, if I have to say so myself.
But in this series, they tone it down a little more while keeping the dynamics intact. This isn't your usual comedy and exaggerated BL drama. Nope, this is in Japan's deep drama territory!
Their relationship is healthy, wholesome, and just so calming to witness. I love them so much.
WHAT I THINK ABOUT THEIR ACTING AND CHEMISTRY
These actors are already well-experienced, considering they're well of age. In addition, Japan always has the best actors regarding this serious and deep vibe, so it's not surprising that I really enjoyed their acting.
There were no exaggerated gestures or expressions you usually see in rom-com Japanese BL dramas, and we get more of the subtleness that's perfect for a drama like Old Fashion Cupcake.
The actors of Nozue and Togawa did very well in bringing out the tension and butterflies in the little actions and eye-contact scenes we see in the series! It takes a lot of skill to relay messages to the audience by acting alone, but I think they did well!
Their chemistry was just enough for me to enjoy the series, perfect for the slow and steady, heartwarming vibe of Old Fashion Cupcake.
THE BEST PARTS ABOUT THE PLOT AND STORY-TELLING
I love it. I love it so much-- it's just perfect as it is.
It was only 5 episodes long with 26 minutes each, but the pacing was excellent. It doesn't go too fast, and there's nothing left that I would want to resolve. It ended perfectly, and I was satisfied with the journey.
The concept starts with someone with no ambition, no hobbies, and little to no excitement when loving anything or anyone. It's a story about Nozue, who is lost throughout his near 40yrs of life. 178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR56cq5iwxz
I'm gonna list down the two reasons why I love this story:178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYSw5HRQTQ
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#1: Talks about learning how not just to love each other but yourself as well
I love how it tackles learning how to love, keep loving, and enjoy the new experiences of life.
"Children are always excited because each day is a new experience. For someone like you who has the same monotone life every day, it's great to try new things." - Togawa.
(SPOILER ALERT!!!)
The way that it was also because of Nozue that Togawa learned to love because he, too, was going through a monotone world. Everything burst into color the day he met Nozue and received his words.
"I love myself more than I did before." - Togawa.
I love it. I just love it! The way the story is about two people who learn not only to love each other but themselves as well. It's such a green-flagged story, and it's excellent for healing. 178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5KX4g9SqC
"I'll love you more tomorrow than I did today. I'll love you even more on the next day. I'll love you even more five years from now. I will love much more than I do now." - Nozue178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA9Um7Z0iX
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#2: Tackles the fear of trying the unknown 178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ido9RoK5
Nozue is someone with lots of fear. He's afraid of trying something new-- what if it will still be the same? What if it just gets worse? Will I stay like this for the rest of my life?
All of these fears are understandable for someone his age-- actually, for anyone afraid of change. However, because of Togawa's straightforward attitude, he could pull Nozue out of his slump and bring him out into a world better than before.
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Another detail that I want to mention is the background music. Sometimes, you won't hear any BGM in the background, and it did very well to increase the tension of Nozue's empty life.
The best part was when the soft organ instrumental notes played whenever Nozue experienced something new and exciting. Like eating ice cream or drinking a shake. Those little notes appear and grab my heart because it's a step closer to seeing the world as exciting and new again.
Old Fashion Cupcake is well on my list of comfort dramas, and I'm so happy to have watched this. I'll watch it again if I want something that'll heal me! My favorite Japanese BL drama of 2022. 10/10 will recommend.
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