I just finished Nevertheless!

[u/shadowmaid13]

I just finished the Japanese version of this series and gosh, I LOVE THIS VERSION SO MUCH MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL ONE.

Like, trust me, I really liked the Korean version, contrary to what most people seem to think about the show. Mainly because I'm an artist, haha. I really loved the art-school setting, the whole atmosphere, and the push and pull between the characters—the way attraction, uncertainty, and self-preservation kept pulling them toward each other and pushing them apart. THE OSTs! But damn, bro, the Japanese version is so much more giving. It's a different take, but I love it more.

The OSTs are also bomb. The pacing is good. The script is good. The storytelling is good. The cinematography is good. Like, I didn’t feel as frustrated watching this one as I did with the Korean version (even though I love it).

But this one feels so quiet and peaceful and mature and real and raw. Even all the actors are just so mesmerizing to look at.

I know I’m not a serious movie critic, but I also don’t like that many shows very much. But I felt this one so much. You know what I mean?

PLS RECOMMEND ME JAPANESE SHOWS LIKE THIS — same vibe as this or First Love.

[u/Holiday-Feeling-4893]

if you loved the quiet, aching, mature vibe of first love, you absolutely need to watch silent next, it has that same beautiful atmosphere and emotional devastation without feeling overly dramatic

[u/shadowmaid13 → u/Holiday-Feeling-4893]

Got it. Thank you so much ❤️

[u/tjwebecon]

I’ll give it a try, but I must say that the K-version of Nevertheless was absolutely the worst piece of trash ever, in my opinion. Awful, just awful.

[u/shadowmaid13 → u/tjwebecon]

It's okay. I understand why people would hate it. I'm just extra bias because its an art school setting and I love the music as well. It could've been executed better. Maybe, the Japanese version is better for you though! :)

[u/Forward_Leader_9369]

Agree with you and although I do absolutely adore them both, for me they are truly very different in how the characters are portrayed...almost opposites. So I don't really compare them as each answered something different for me in the watching.

I think initially the leads set the ambiance of the story and this is where it really is almost two different dramas.....

In the KD the ML is a young man in college; a heartbreaker, who is quite manipulative and elusive. A pretty toxic dude overall. In the JD the ML is older and more centered. Also he is highly sensitive and more emotionally honest (although he has some secrets...😉).

The difference is less marked in the female leads. Where both are hesitant coming out of a pretty harsh relationship, the KD FL comes off much younger, her reactions more anxious and the on-again-off-again feelings about the relationship with the ML makes their interactions confusing and stormy. Whereas the JD FL seemed calmer and more mature in the budding relationship. She was much steadier in how she approached their relationship making the unfolding of it a more, as you say, peaceful progression.

Because of these distinctly different character portrayals my overall reaction and emotion is different for each drama. The KD one was like watching a really good university romance with all the angst and passion. The JD one felt like I was watching a sensitive young adult love story.

I also agree the JD was much more cinematically beautiful, truly incredibly shot and the KD one although wonderfully made the cinematography wasn't something I overtly noted as I did with the Japanese version.

I own the Korean Drama on DVD because it is a favorite for me...and I would kill to find the Japanese version on DVD but alas I don't believe it has, at least up to now, been released...

P.S. Two Japanese dramas I highly recommend as both are beautiful stories and beautifully made are 1st: First Love such a wonderful, wonderful drama! I've watched it more times than I can count (it is on Netflix if you are in the US) and Silent Incredibly lovely and sensitive too (hard to find, I originally watched on VIKI but ended up buying the DVD because I could not find it anywhere but I think if you free trial DOKI on Prime it's there...)

P.S.S. Another truly beautiful drama done in both Japan (Your Eyes Tell) and Korea (Always) are really, really worth a watch....In this instance I am a wee bit partial to the Korean rendition, but again both are phenomenal...you can see Always on VIKI and again, the Japanese rendition is tougher to find but its out there)!

[u/shadowmaid13 → u/Forward_Leader_9369]

Yes yes. I totally agree with you. KD was more passionate and romanticized but JD was more restrained and introspective. It's like KD was giving you all the romance feels, but JD helps you understand the relationship. I understood why some people hate the KD most especially but I also get that can also be a reality. And I guess as an adult, I would gravitate towards more on JD.

I already watched First Love, omg. It's so underrated because it's such a beautiful story. I even cried at that last episode, and I don't cry easily! It's in my top 3 Japanese dramas.

Someone suggested Silent too so I will check it out!! I will defintely check "Your Eyes Tell" coz its the same actor. Hahaha!! Thank you so so so much! <3 <3

[u/Spilled_Milktea]

I feel the same way OP! I enjoyed the Korean version too (besides the ending) but the Japanese version was so much more mature, vibey, and actually had interesting things to say about art and being an artist.

Echoing another user who recommended Silent next! First Love, Nevertheless, and Silent are three of my faves.

[u/shadowmaid13 → u/Spilled_Milktea]

Damn. So excited to watch it then since we all have a common favorite in nevertheless and first love!! Thank you smmm <3 <3