Dou Kyu Sei: Classmates

I am still thankfull they didn't animate all of the pedo stuff. I honestly haveno idea why there has to be either pedophilia or assault/rape in every bl ever.

I don't usually watch 'yaoi' series or movies. But this movie is one of my favorites now. It's so simple yet so unique. I love how they used metaphors and how their story was divided into different chapters. It's just so refreshing to watch. A simple love story is very rarely found. So this movie is very special, because there is no back story or pacts or whatsoever between the two characters. One guy falling for another in the midst of their juvenescence. That's it. A must watch for all the teens and even adults out there.

A classical slice of life anime, that has in its stylistic measurement, that never goes over the top, its best quality. It's also short and sweet and it portrays without any big drama a gay teenage love story. Unfortunately, it also feels like it could have been much better and it didn't end up sticking on me too much.

When you'll start watching the movie, it will feel rushed because it seemed like that to me too. But slowly the pace will reduce and you'll be able to understand what the characters are feeling in a better way. Both Sajou's and Kusakabe's character development will be slow and gradual. The length of the movie is not too long and is worth the watch! P. S. Don't judge it in the beginning give it time to open up and you'll like it!

I discovered this little film just this year through Tumblr. Though I wasn't very eager to check it out at first, the highly-positive reviews by both GoatJesus and KrisPNatz of YouTube convinced me otherwise What a warm, funny, loving, engaging story it turned out to be! It may be simple (both story- and art style-wise), but it was worth the $3.99 rental on Amazon Prime -- I might even buy it at some point! The two leads, Hikaru Kusakabe and Licht Sajo, may be polar opposites, but their chemistry is so enthralling, that I ended up rooting for them! Yes, Kusakabe is very forward with his advances towards Sajo, kissing him even if he says "no." But about halfway through, he seems to grow to respect both Sajo's boundaries and protests more. Not only that, but it's Sajo who begins to initiate his affections as well. Although the ending is slightly open-ended in regards to the boys' futures after graduating, it's still definitely happy, with the two together, willing to work through their own flaws. As for issues I'd have with the film: As a music fan, I kind of wish that we saw more of Kusakabe's musicianship (that might be something that the manga/anime, Given, will make up for!). I was also confused as to why the incident involving the teacher, Mr. Hara, trying to seduce Sajo was left unreported. In fact, Kusakabe later goes to said teacher for advice on how to have sex as if they're good friends! All in all, this film touched my heart and lifted my spirits, which is definitely what I feel like I needed during quarantine.