First Love (I) (2022) User Reviews

Great in detail

[kei921 · 9/10 · 26 November 2022]

I think that it is so rare to see a romantic tv drama with this quality in this era.

I know that some people will hate some characters' decisions, but overall, I think that how people really live. We are not wise all the time, we are kind but we still do bad things sometimes. And in some cases, that changed our life in a way we couldn't expect.

I like how they do storytelling in this series. They could tell us how and why the characters made daily decisions without clearly explaining. Even small dialogues and activities and objects are connected and exposed naturally. Like when Noguchi gives the best part of the beefsteak for her son in the present plot, then in the past plot, we saw Noguchi's father move the best part of Kabayaki to her dish. Or the way highway roundabout is used in some big events of the story.

Highly recommend for binge-watching.

WOW...

[kikisette · 9/10 · 28 November 2022]

This is about as close to perfect as a series gets. The character development, scenery, chemistry, fluid movement through eras, interweaving of historical events, beautiful score and satisfying ending were all done with such grace.

I eventually put my phone down and actually just watched the my television screen exclusively. And that never happens!

As someone who split from their first love as a teenager, yet came to be in a long-term relationship with them over twenty years later, I can attest to the fact that this certainly DOES happen. Sometimes the way by which you find each other again is odd. Coincidences in life certainly do happen; we see evidence of this every day.

For me, in the long run, my second chance didn't last more than a few years. However, until we met again, it always felt like unfinished business to me. Splitting the second time, on my own terms, gave me a sense of closure finally. I could stop wondering "what if".

Sadly, due to circumstance, only one half of our couple had to wonder "what if". It's torture enough to go through, but I can't even fathom knowing that you are the only one experiencing it. I won't give away any spoilers here. We all have past loves, past friendships, and past experiences that all create the foundation for who we are as people. It's what makes us "US". First Love takes you on that journey for this couple so succinctly and effortlessly.

Just know that this series is not only binge-worthy, but it's even put-your-phone-down worthy. And that's saying something.

It will be okay. Even if the whole world ignores you, I've already found your music.

[hanalisss · 9/10 · 26 December 2022]

I wish I could give this one a 10 but I cant. It was very good but had a few misses impossible to get over.

This drama manages to keep you completely trapped the whole time. Short but deep and captivating, and it's one of the most realistic romance dramas you will see, asian dramas tend to romanticize and idealize love stories but that doesn't make it real. This story is about an epic love story but in the real world. People don't stop living and meeting people when they get separated, and they continue living on. Sometimes that's heartbreaking but life is about exactly that. You will keep fighting and trying your best to find yourself and doing everything you can to find the bright side of any situation and experience.

All actors where good here and the story if the child of the female lead was full of passion and left me with all the feels, but for some reason I found the actors portraying the younger version of the main couple absolutely brilliant. Specially the young male lead, he is a beaming ray of light. The emotions he executes while playing his character are captivating. His expressions, gazes, smiles and just how he talks to the younger female lead will make you believe he is actually in love. Mesmerizing.

I enjoyed the whole fate plot where they keep showing you their encounters in the past and how they theh keep being drawn to each other irresistibly

At the same time I rolled my eyes a few times when they used the amnesia "I don't remember you" plot. It makes certain parts extremely predictable although they still managed to keep it original and fresh ( at least to a point)

The other thing I was very disappointed with is the reason why the male lead suddenly leaves her in Tokyo after her confession and not having any more ties with his ex fiancée, I mean WHY?!? I thought he was maybe going to go and get back to being a pilot so he could go back to her but he just stayed at the other end of the world? Alone? I couldn't make sense of that plot whatsoever. The whole backstory about him loving her more than life itself and dreaming only about making her happy disappeared like the wind.

Overall a great drama that will make you think about what you want in life and how important it is to never settle and going to get it.

A beautiful and emotional romance

[coconutomega · 10/10 · 24 November 2022]

I loved it.

It's a beautiful, heartbreaking, and an excellent series.

I rarely give 10s on a first view, but I have to say that I absolutely loved this series.

Everything is amazing - Story, Main Leads, Their Chemistry, Acting, Star Cast, Background Score, Music.

I completed this series in 1 days and I am suffering from Post Drama Syndrome now. I can't get over it. Fabulous love story.

It is so moving that I found myself shedding a couple of tears everytime it was on.

If you're looking to see what true, real love and dedication/effort is, then this is the show for you. Will never forget.

Very touching story I love it

[cheangstanley · 10/10 · 27 November 2022]

Great story with great song, great actor and I love the way how the director connect all different timeline by years and present the past to the audience.

I have been growing up with this famous classic Japanese song from Utada Hikaru and I am so happy that they create this art-piece based on the story of the songs, and i believe that it would be great before watching it.

I think the young actor and actress also did very well which my memory of first love also flashback during watching it. Love the last two sections which may me cry.

Thank you Netflix for producing such amazing series to me!

I highly recommend this Japanese Drama Series!

[jurisimmanuel · 10/10 · 28 November 2022]

I Just finished binge-watching this series on Netflix and I must say it is a breathe of fresh air for me! This is my first time actually seeing a Japanese drama, I am more on watching Japanes animes be it love story, action or fantasy. But this one, I REALLY LOVE! I love how realistic the storyline, their acting are on point and anyone can relate with series! Love the places featured as well!

It's just kinda sad that it's only 9 episode and 1 season only. I feel like I want MORE!

Two thumbs up! More stories like this that everyone can relate to.

Kudos to all the cast and writer of the series!

the best Netflix Asian drama of the year

[gpersdiecast · 10/10 · 3 December 2022]

I have to say this series is one of the best Netflix ever aired especially if you're into love and Asian drama. It's written beautifully and pictured in simplicity with artistically picture and warm tones. The series not that long but the story getting more interesting and interesting in every episode. Onion ninja almost got me in the 2 last episodes and I strongly suggest you to watch it! Though the series going back forth between timeline but it all beautifully connected. The background OST is also amazing. One of the best Asian hits in 2000's by Utada Hikaru. I really surprised that main character is French descendant. She is really pretty. You're always gonna be the one best J-Drama in my life ever!

You will always be inside my heart

[ChanKwaiBun · 10/10 · 29 November 2022]

First love is the most unforgettable memory for many people. For Harumichi, Yae is a person he will never forget in his life. She is his first love and the only love of his life. Even though Yae has forgotten their past, he still put Yae in the first place inside his heart. (poor Tsunemi...). This series is named by Utada Hikaru's famous song "First Love". The plot also revolves around the lyrics of this song.

This series takes 20 years to tell what Harumichi and Yae have experienced in these years. The high school journey of Harumichi and Yae is my favorite storyline. Director Yuri Kanchiku perfectly showed the youthfulness and ambiguity of the first love, so that the audience can also feel the simple and happy love between them. Unfortunately, after a car accident, they have gone on different paths since then, but as Otaro said to Yae at the railway station, some things are destined to happen. Even if they have not had any contact in the past 20 years, fate will make them meet again in the end. For me, one of the dialogues that influenced me in this episode was when Otaro said to Yae at the railway station "you don't run, Yae! Look forward. Take a breath and go! Even if you get hurt, or embarrassed, in life, you have to take a plunge." If we give up easily, we may miss the most important person or thing in our life. No matter what the result is, we should try our best. So we won't regret it. It's the same for Harumichi, since he thinks that Yae is the most important person in his life, so he studies desperately, just for the chance to go to the same high school as Yae. In the end, he also succeeded. In reality, in order to be with the one we love, are we not the same as Harumichie? Even if there is only a 0.1% chance of success, we will continue to work hard to create opportunities for the other party to notice us.

Facing the one you love, "Look forward. Take a breath and go! Even if you get hurt, or embarrassed, in life, you have to take a plunge! Cause in the end, The one you love will always be inside your heart.

Perfection! An amazing first love!

[Ro-atthemovies · 10/10 · 4 December 2022]

First Love is perfection! The storytelling is fantastic. This film is so much more than a story about a true love beginning in youth. This drama is one of a kind, using amazing storytelling, weaving a beautiful story by bringing us back to where it began and forward to where it is today with such ease and excellence. This series is the best I've watched all year, and I've watched a lot! Every main character is so well written and authentic. The story develops at such a pace that you develop a true affinity with the characters. Nominations and awards belong to the lead Actor and Actress, the Director, the Writer, Cinematographer, and everyone who worked on this film. We, as the viewers, are blessed by their achievement. Wish I could give it more stars than 10!! Perfection! An amazing first love!

Remind me of classic movie Love Letter

[phebychow · 7/10 · 9 December 2022]

The Japanese drama "First Love" based on the classic song "First Love" by Hikaru Utada has become a phenomenon-level drama at the end of this year. It has caused topics all over Asia and being the top ten international rankings of Netflix's non-English content. It is a rareJapanese drama in recent years that has started so many discussions: The storyline seems a bit ordinary and even consists of old fashion elements like amnesia, long distant love, poor daughter-in law etc, all these things are so predictable but why is it still so attractive? At the very beginning, the high altitude overhead shot on the big roundabout is a metaphor for our life. We always miss what we missed out like our first love. That can explain why people are so indulged in this drama as the lost is the most cherished.

Two songs First Love and Automatic together with the mints, ice cream sodas, and CD player appeared in the play being the strongest collective memories of my generation. I'm impressed about the delicate shooting skills, the visual arts are amazing too!

Absolutely beautiful!

[Shaaranya · 10/10 · 28 November 2022]

First Love is a must watch for every romance enthusiastic. It had me smiling and tearing up every few minutes.

I'm not sure if the show was inspired by Kimi no Na wa (Your Name) but it definitely feels like it at multiple points throughout the show. The story is very similar to Your Name and so is the background score. It was like i was watching a different version of the Anime movie.

I found it a little confusing in the beginning, but later realised that the different timelines make the show much better. All you have to do is keep watching.

The main story with Yae and Harumichi is beautiful and so are the side characters' storylines. Each character has its own importance in the show's different timelines.

Everything blends together very well. None of the episodes felt like long drags like a lot of romantic shows do.

Moving and Involving

[wheatley-20230 · 7/10 · 16 March 2023]

This is a moving story. The plot is perfectly poised for emotional investment. The actors give it their all. The editing, jumping between timelines, finds resonance for later events that might otherwise have been less involving.

Unfortunately the actors portraying the key characters at different ages bear little resemblance to each other, With constant switching between timelines this lack of similarity can jar a little. However, the story garners sufficient investment for this to be less of an issue than it might have been.

The final episode did not quite generate the emotional response that all that had gone before appeared to have justified. I cry easily at a good romantic weepie, but shed no tears here. Perhaps this is because the ending was over-engineered for tears. A simpler approach might have allowed the emotional weight of the series to flow naturally through to the end.

Despite such quibbles, this is a moving and involving series. If romantic weepies are your thing I have no doubt you will enjoy this as I did.

It's an art!

[arreannefritz · 4 December 2022]

The moment I saw the trailer on Netflix, I knew there's something in here that I need to and surely loved about.

Life's about your first love. A lot of people would surely be reminded of their own. I love how every simple things have it's wonderful meanings. The way how the story created, how it shows the past and present, the way how every important person in their life revolves around them that's just beautiful. I simply like how Harumichi made the "sign language" in his sister's wedding and with every word of it. A mother's love. Yae being a mother. I just love the great acting. It feels as if I am them. Fate works in a mysterious way. I believe there is. The story of "First Love" is like how we live in real life. Netflix make more something that is more meaningful to watch.

Nice but another memory loss is just a no no for J dramas.

[alahya · 5/10 · 14 December 2022]

I loved the calm pace for telling this story, the music, the photography... but I dare you to work in better scripts, with no memory loss cliches and the constant effort to create a better and most valuable shows. This again provides scene to the constant gaming for increasing the bets, but it gets lost in a barely credibly story. It all just becomes so rehearsed and fake...this ain't love, this is the misunderstood hero's journey who needs to prove himself through constant suffering. And of course, there's the unreachable maiden, very far from any attempt of happiness.

No.

You have the budget, amazing actors and great scenarios, you just need to work in better and new stories.

I'll say this is good for watching while eating. Very relaxing, for those who don't look to be impressed.

It's not a Japanese drama of pure love!

[hisashi-leon · 10/10 · 1 December 2022]

If you think it's a TV series about Japanese pure love! ? Then you may miss a good work.

The range he spanned happened to match my age.

It's like when I listened to Hikaru Utada's first single 'First Love' when I was a student From the Fukushima Earthquake in Japan to the current COVID-19 in 2022.

When I watch the TV series, it seems that I have gone through these years with the TV series.

It describes the bitterness and joy encountered in half a lifetime of life.

No matter how hard the day is, always face it with a smile.

And silently holding back tears behind his back.

It describes the strength of women and the greatness of mothers.

These processes are also everyone's first time.

A choice made out of love.

The performance of the story also hopes that everyone can be like the leading actor in the end.

Able to overcome their difficulties.

Boldly do something for yourself that may change the rest of your life.

Great cast; great story; great soundtrack; great direction

[sklip · 10/10 · 29 November 2022]

I totally enjoy the experience (visual and audio) and story-telling from watching the series (non-stop from Ep 1 to Ep 9 in one day). Every episode has elements of past, present, and future. Direction is similar to the popular Japanese movie "Crying Out Love in the Center of the World" with sequences back and forth to demonstrate causes and effects from the actions and decisions which the main characters take at each turning point. I particularly love the soundtrack and choices of songs, not only Utada Hikaru. The casting is excellent as well. Mitsushima Hikari and Sato Takeru form the center of the whole story. There are a lot of little things in the dialogue which are moving - like parents giving the best part of food to their children, but at the same time, their divorce would give hell to their children. Finally, some people may get upset about why Japan Defense Force is involved - I'd say Why Not.

We Never Know What Tomorrow is going to bring us.

[thammylagares · 10/10 · 28 November 2022]

Great cast, genuine performances, usually I watch others types of series this is the first Japanese serie but I can say was totally worthy. The scenario was light and daily related, we can se the snow, sea, mountain and the ordinary traffic. And that plus the acting and the history makes you wanna keep watching.

**And now some not requested thoughts:

For me was a completely immersion in real human emotions and actions, we are not wise or inspiring in the one third of ours life, we make huge mistakes and unfortunately we always hurt the loved ones because they are the souls around us seeing ours learnings and growing moments. But that is no excuse to keep failing. Is never too late to apologize and try again, try our best for the people we care, like or love.

First love takes my tears

[drvuanhminh · 10/10 · 30 November 2022]

I'm not a big fan of Japanese films, I just incidentally watch First love's trailer on youtube and being attracted by the music, so I was so curious and decided to watch the film. I thought it's just another love story and I was right but I never thought it can take my tears because it's too beautiful, far more than I can imagine. And the more the love story is beautiful in the past, the more it's hurt in the present. Every moments of young Namiki and Yae are wonderful and full of happiness, in contrast with the present the present Namiki is haunted by his first love while Yae always feel empty cause she somehow realizes she has lost something most important in her life.

I can't believe I have rewatch just a love story film for 5 times and still cry for their loves. Although the film has happy ending but I still feel sad and sorry for a long time that they were suffered. And now I'm still suffering post-film syndrome, it's has been a long long time since the last film made me feel upset like this. Now I have to keep rewatching the films until I'll get used to this and overcome this suffering.

Slow burn romantic & heartfelt

[dseemalhar · 9/10 · 28 November 2022]

Binge watched Japanese drama 'First Love'

Inspired from songs by Hikaru Utada, It's a slow-burn romantic drama.

Simple story presented in swoon-worthy, heartwarming, heart-touching way.

Writer-director Yuri Kanchiku beautifully narrates the screenplay.

Each episode is like a connecting pieces of puzzle, which makes it immersing, intriguing and interesting.

Each small detail in storytelling is so important, Even small dialogues, activities and objects play important part.. Each action of a character is beautifully presented, why he/she took such decision, which gives depth to characters.

Series has perfect casting, specially lead couple, their older and younger versions.

Their acting is enthralling. Chemistry is top-notch.

It not only narrate dynamics of a couple in different life stages but also relation of mother-daughter, friends, mother-son n siblings.

Drama has beautiful OSTs, breathtaking visuals, specially in the last episode has Icelandic scenery.

I find myself shedding tears in each episode. Truly heartfelt for me.

An instant classic!

[soeprijo19 · 10/10 · 13 January 2023]

What a well directed and scripted this series was! Big budgeted, great story and stellar performances from all actors/actresses. A nine episodes of emotional roller coaster. You have to see it for yourself to enjoy this beautiful series.

The song "First Love" by Hikaru Utada was a massive hit back then in 1999. So no wonder it would left a big impression on writer/director Yuri Kanchiku to make this beautiful series. She was around 17 years old at that time, so who knows she might have her own first love story to tell at that time.

Kudos to Hikari Matsushima/Rikako Yagi (older/younger Yae Noguchi) and Takeru Satoh/Taisei Kido (older/younger Harumichi Namiki) that brought this series to live. We, as audience, could really feel their emotion in every scene.

The only downside in this series was the constant back and forth timeline every 3-5 minutes, sometimes we as the audience, got lost to which timeline the scene was, because not every scene transition was accompanied by the date and place.

Caution: episode 7,8 and 9 was a real tear jerker, so please prepare a handkerchief or a box of tissue or if you are an emotional person, you should prepare a bath towel instead.

Classic 10/10.

Good but slow pace

[lceman-19019 · 6/10 · 26 November 2022]

It's great to see a romantic drama like this from Japan.

As I watch this drama, I feel the story was better when both of them were teenager. The movie switches back and forth between when they were young teenage lovers and to the present day adult. The young actors had great chemistry. Takeru and Hikari were just bland. There was just nothing for them to do beside meet up for a date and then back to showing them at work. The deaf sister was more interesting. I think fewer episodes might of helped. The side plot of Yae's son and the dancing girl was pointless. Yea regaining all her memories from a song? Really? The love story of them as teenager was great but how the show ended felt empty.

Hide and seek of Life and Love

[anubhutiajit · 10/10 · 3 March 2023]

Nobody forgets First Love.....it is an experience which we all encounter once in our life and irrespective of what's the outcome...we will never forget it!!

This journey is about Hae and Harimuchi.....how they met, fell in love, parted away, then Life as usual played hide and seek, they met again.....I will not pen further spoilers!!!

It is not a K drama, it is a J drama and how beautiful this drama is, you need to see and feel each character. Parallel love stories of different generations, scenic backgrounds, deep story line, gorgeous Male and female leads and at the end warmth of pure love.

Just go ahead and watch it ...9 episodes with English Audio in Netflix.

Appealing but somehow disappointing

[sophiamarinova · 6/10 · 25 November 2022]

I love Japanese dramas. They are among my favorite because of a number of reasons such as the typing camaraderie, humaneness and sweetness. I started out this drama with huge enthusiasm- beautiful leads with strong acting skills and an interesting romantic premise. As I kept watching however I felt let down. The key couple instead of having meaningful heart to heart conversations to bond happily have a very unnatural and totally unbelievable happy ending. Since this is not fantasy, greater realism was to be expected. Satoh is a very charismatic actor but his character here was weak, player type with mostly occasional carnal desires but not an awful lot of romantic substance who was like a candle in the wind. He's living with a woman for a number of years without love and he's also entirely indecisive about reveals his inner feelings to his first love, double cheating. His reason for separating from both women weak and unconvincing and not really showing genuine concern for either of them. So while I'm a big fan of the actor, I found his character here unsympathetic, selfish and unrelatable. Why is our female heroine so low on confidence? She's just so pessimistic that she's definitely not taking advantage of her potential. Overall I'm still pleased to see more Japanese dramas on Netflix with actors that I like but sure hope that we'll see a lot more and with more consistent writing.

One of the most beautiful love stories.

[rbt-63894 · 8 February 2023]

This was one of the most beautiful shows I've ever watched. It captures you from the get-go and makes you feel so many emotions throughout. It follows Yae and Namiki, both each other's first loves, the paths they take in life and how one small thing, or action, can change the course.

The way it was shot, the chemistry between the main characters (both as teens and adults), the transitions between past and present, - it was all perfect. The way their stories intertwined was so impactful, it made me want to believe deeply in fate and in love. The dialogue, the character development, and the acting were all amazing too. It fully captivated me and is definitely one of the best shows of this genre.

Sappy and Meandering

[keikoyoshikawa · 5/10 · 24 April 2023]

As much as I really wanted to like this romantic and slice-of-life series, I just couldn't. While the premise is interesting, the plot was too meandering and the actors couldn't pull off convincingly different versions of the main characters - younger, current, and older.

The Good: I like that the story is set in Sapporo. It's too bad, though, that the distinctiveness of the city was not put to better use. It could have easily been a character on its own. Think "Fargo", "Midnight in Paris", or "Lost in Translation" to name a few.

The Bad: I think this is one of those cases where an anime version would have been better than live-action. Putting music to practically every scene does not make up for mediocre scripting and dialogues. Better writers could have improved this series.

Despite all the faults, there remain some endearing elements of the story. For one, the idea that all of us need and deserve romantic love. And of course the idea of the first love being sweet and unforgettable. So for sentimental reasons I gave more stars.