I often ask the question to fellow fujoshi, “which manga would you like to see as an anime or live action?” Invariably, someone will answer, “Doushitemo Furetakunai.” It’s always on my list of answers as well. And look, we got it! I won’t say that I can die happy, but I can at least go on knowing that some dreams do come true. But to be honest, Doushitemo becoming a film has just made me want more. Not because it was awesome–just because it was.
I was really excited when the film was announced. I almost couldn’t believe it. Then it went up for pre-order and I jumped right on it. Subtitles? No. Region 1? No. Did I care? No. This was one of my favorite stories coming to life. Even if it turned out like the last three episodes of Kare Kano, I was still going to love it. Thankfully it didn’t. The film wasn’t perfect and I really didn’t expect it to be, but I enjoyed it all the same.
It actually met my expectations which were, in short, missing scenes, spliced scenes, awkward male on male physical interaction and somewhere underneath would be the story I loved. As I said, it wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t terrible either. Here are some of the thoughts I tapped out while browsing the unofficial manga translation and watching the film.
- I love how Shima just looked so done first thing in the morning.
- I suppose it’s for the sake of camera work that they needed to be on the same side of the table during Shima’s welcome party, but them sitting across from each other is what made the scene in the manga. And Togawa using a beer stein dripping with condensation just doesn’t quite have the same feeling as him using his foot to shut Takada up.
- He had on the striped shirt under the open buttondown! I love it!
- The kiss at the train scene didn’t really play well, it just seemed too long and that moment when Shima seemed hesitant once they got back to Togawa’s place, was a bit strange.
- I loved how he crawled into the bed right before the flashback with his ex and the scene where he picked Togawa up near his place afterwards was really cute.
- I love Shima’s striped shirts! And Onoda’s plaid one–and Shima’s too. In general, I liked their wardrobes.
- During the break-up scene, Togawa walking off seemed like a very Togawa thing to do even though it wasn’t in the manga.
- I liked both of their flats, but especially Shima’s.
- I nearly fell apart when the cigarettes fell out of the drawer.
- During their reunion scene, Togawa was standing too far away and the time it took him to get right up in front of Shima spoiled the mood of the scene, but it still resulted in a picture perfect showing of one of my favorite panels in the manga.
Even considering that Shima is something of an awkward character, the acting was awkward when it came to them touching each other, even just the casual interactions.
But I expected that, so it’s not a big deal. Overall, it was a decent adaptation and I recommend any fan of the manga or Yoneda watch it if they can. I’ll certainly be watching it again.