Turn to me Mukai-kun (2023– ) User Reviews

A Unique but Flawed Exploration of Love's Intricacies

[Young211 · 8/10 · 23 September 2023]

Derived from the evocative manga by Yoko Nemu, Turn to Me Mukai-kun offers an alternative approach to the overcrowded genre of romantic comedy dramas. At its heart is Mukai, a rather plain office worker who has forsaken love for a decade after an unceremonious break-up with his last significant other, Miwako. However, his humdrum existence takes a turn when Nakatani, a temporary worker, enters the scene.

A Break from Tradition. What sets this drama apart from its contemporaries is its unconventional format. It sidesteps typical rom-com tropes to provide a more realistic, albeit sometimes jarring, account of attraction and human connection. This deviation is both its strength and weakness, while it adds layers of authenticity, it sometimes disrupts the narrative flow, creating an uneven viewing experience.

Hits and Misses. The series shines when it delves deep into the often confusing dynamics of love, marriage, and loneliness. It tackles the disparity between attraction and emotional intimacy, crafting scenes that resonate on a visceral level. However, the drama's attempt to balance this intricate exploration with everyday mundanities occasionally falls flat.

A Work in Progress. Is it groundbreaking? Perhaps not. But it's not a run-of-the-mill rom-com either. Turn to Me Mukai-kun may not hit all the right notes, but its discord adds a unique flavour to a genre often criticized for its predictability.

As interesting and unique as the story is in this drama, it's very frustrating to watch

[kurokithuyanh · 6/10 · 19 October 2023]

It's not a common Japanese romcom. The drama presents intriguing philosophies, however has poor conduction and weak romantic chemistry (especially between the endgame couple)

The common mindset in almost every female characters in this drama is that they dislike the idea of marriage and the social roles it brings. While they're not wrong in a few certain aspects, all of them overthink it so much that by the later part of the drama, it's dreadful to finish the series. I basically had to forced myself to reach the end. Because of the overthinking and over-analyzing, these women ruin their own respective relationships. I myself am a woman but this extreme feminism is annoying.

Interesting perspective but lack of chemistry between the leads

[angeliquedecock · 6/10 · 20 January 2024]

It started strong. I love the perspective because as a woman myself not married and not wanting children, I face a lot of pressure and backlash of society to follow the rules. Just like all the leads in this series.

Some storylines where idiotic. Like the sister. She got married ( chose it ) to then want to divorce but still have a relationship. Like what ? This is not a strong female. She honestly doesn't know what she wants. This storyline was annoying and got to much time. The brother in law was annoying to watch. He almost seemed manic and high all the time. Like a little child. A man child.

I understood the female lead and the male lead their struggles. Unfortunately they had zero chemistry and their " feelings " where unbelievable. The chemistry between Mukai and his ex was so much better. The ending fell flat for me. 10 episodes. And really good romantic scenes between Mukai and his ex. But in the end. Not a kiss. Not even a hug. Some weird speech from his mother. And the ending was suddenly gone. Some funny moments and it was lighthearted. If you are not in the mood for heavy drama and lots of conversation and theories about relationships. This is for you.

But 6/10. Could have been better with more chemistry between the leads and a solid ending. It was predictable from the start so why not own it and give it a romantic ending.