This is primarily aimed at teens, which I am not. Netflix suggested this to me because I had watched and rated Erased which I loved. Typical high school type drama but the premise is good, the acting is excellent and for once I didn't see the plot twist which was a novel experience. It loses points for the unnecessary and repetitive back flashes and the most appalling sound track ever. The music just drilled into my brain and was totally inappropriate. The flash backs cause the story to lag in places and why the girls have to be dragged around by the arm on a frequent basis is a mystery. A bit soap operaish with the zoom ins. Kaga was particularly endearing and the swopping of characters were all well performed.
24 Reviews
Interesting
cavebeardiary20 January 2019
Kaga is my favorite character here, I fall for his smile and personality. And the fact that the actor got to play almost every lead characters here in the emotional significant part has let him show off his talent. But some scenes got me cringing too. Overall worth to watch. You are what you think. There's no point for wanting to be others and it's never too late for make a right decision to change your perspective of life.
Very enjoyable short TV series
strange_quark-114 August 2018
Miu Tomita was especially convincing in this teen fantasy-drama. I hope to watch more of her work. Actually, the entire cast was superb. Some of the scarier scenes were disturbingly realistic. This series conveys some valuable life lessons and I'd most highly recommend it for school-age viewers.
SWITCHED: A Teen Body-Swap J-Drama
Jinxxa_Wolf23 October 2023
SWITCHED (2018) was an entertaining Japanese drama. Although rated M for mature, it did seem more aimed at teen audiences. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and I didn't mind the silliness amid the darker subject matter. However, I tend to agree with many reviewers about the offputting techno dance music feeling pretty jarring and out of place in this drama. The sound director really botched this one up. I understand anime's usually fly with this kind of music and this series was inspired by webtoon/manga, not sure if there's an anime yet, so that kind of explains the vibe they we're going for. Even still, it was kind of obnoxious, even for a teen series, and especially not with the subject matter. It just didn't fit.
Overall, this was a good series, not the greatest due to some predictable, and slightly problematic writing and the aforementioned music choices. Was worth a watch and had some good messages about living in another shoes and what not. This series might be triggering to some as there are heavy themes of bullying, suicide, abuse etc.
It was entertaining, but had a lot of wasted potential I felt. It only scratched the surface of what it might have achieved, and I'm not sure why it didn't go deeper. Still, it was worth a view.
[NOTE: Kaga rocked.]
Overall, this was a good series, not the greatest due to some predictable, and slightly problematic writing and the aforementioned music choices. Was worth a watch and had some good messages about living in another shoes and what not. This series might be triggering to some as there are heavy themes of bullying, suicide, abuse etc.
It was entertaining, but had a lot of wasted potential I felt. It only scratched the surface of what it might have achieved, and I'm not sure why it didn't go deeper. Still, it was worth a view.
[NOTE: Kaga rocked.]
Something all teens should watch
kieranwilliamsonmt3 October 2018
I'm not a teenager, and much like another reviewer here, it was suggested to me because I watched Erased on Netflix, and after watching that I felt like binging on some Japanese dramas.
That being said, this is something I'd make my daughters watch when they're teenagers, as the series aims to give the watchers a sense of empathy for both sides of the coin. You feel bad for the unpopular girl and understand her actions, but you also feel bad for the popular girl because the switch takes her away from her family and friends.
The popular girl does NOT become instantly shy in the unpopular girls body, the person who said that must not have paid much attention. She only becomes less outgoing because people will not pay attention to her and think she is weird, which is what the series does well at, creating a sense of empathy and understanding.
That being said, this is something I'd make my daughters watch when they're teenagers, as the series aims to give the watchers a sense of empathy for both sides of the coin. You feel bad for the unpopular girl and understand her actions, but you also feel bad for the popular girl because the switch takes her away from her family and friends.
The popular girl does NOT become instantly shy in the unpopular girls body, the person who said that must not have paid much attention. She only becomes less outgoing because people will not pay attention to her and think she is weird, which is what the series does well at, creating a sense of empathy and understanding.
It was good
lucille-5655414 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It was a good show about two opposite girls (one popular and skinny and one chubby and unpopular). I was quite shocked at how vengeful and depressed the chubby girl was, like I know you've been through a lot but DAMN. She also had some main character syndrome in there. It's not the best show in the world, but if you're bored go ahead and watch it.
Binge worthy
lcheung-4876911 August 2018
My thoughts
evelyngreend6 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The show over all was good. I liked how the characters developed over each episode and it didn't feel like it was moving to fast. I didn't like that the music never really went with the scene. It ended with Kaga basically crying at the end really made me sad because he was the character who was there since the beginning. They completely ignored that fact that she almost confesses to him. I know at the end of the credit there was a sense where they were having fun but it didn't change my mind. It kind of got annoying when Umine was being stubborn and didn't want to go back. I get that the creaters tried to make it seem like she suffered a lot but to be honest her character was hard to understand.
Excellent Series!!!
kishoreantony4 August 2018
Brilliant story with brilliant acting
amytang-649291 February 2019
I think like a few users here I was recommended switched because I was erased. I only really watched it because it only has 6 episodes and they are all under an hour however I was gripped by just the first episode and I got a lot more from this than just a way to pass the time!
It's a very important message that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it's the inside that counts and although it's aimed at teens (I'm 27) I think it's an important message whatever stage of life you're in.
Fantastic acting, you really felt for the characters and cried and laughed with them. Kaga stole the show for me- he is an absolute sweetheart!
100% recommend this to anyone!
It's a very important message that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it's the inside that counts and although it's aimed at teens (I'm 27) I think it's an important message whatever stage of life you're in.
Fantastic acting, you really felt for the characters and cried and laughed with them. Kaga stole the show for me- he is an absolute sweetheart!
100% recommend this to anyone!
Body shaming
cool_andhot5 May 2021
Can be Triggering
alyssadanelle25 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
While the story was good the show contained content dealing with suicidal themes.
One character's suicide scene is shown from start to finish, repeatedly.
If you want to watch this show, and have depression and/or anxiety, please do so with caution as it may be a trigger.
Good Enough
PennyReviews4 February 2019
Switched is surprisingly a very entertaining drama. The execution of the fantasy element was well made and the whole body switching was nicely explained. The drama hit the top when we discovered the real personalities of the characters. The twist in the end was lovely as well. In addition the love triangle was really really cute and that helped with the love story to be intense, though the plot focused more on the characters rather the romance, which was a relief. The performances, finally, were top notch from every actor and actress in the drama.
One of the best things I ever seen in tv
hdcnmm7 June 2022
Why nobody talking about how good this tv show is , brilliant directing amazing cinematography wonderful casting performances , really good writing, this is a masterpiece nobody talking about, especially the director should do something more because no movies or tv show he did , this my favorite tv show ever with prison break.
Amazing movies
ninepuzzlle8 January 2019
I love their concept, and it's really did make me burst my tears, aware or not, sometimes we can be so judgemental toward some kind of people, it make me realize these whole thing that we shouldn't be like that.
I also love the cast player who really did the good job, I mean the emotions well just really good & it was such a successful massage that I got
Although it rated as 16+ (and my age over that) but I think below 16 should watch it too but under parental guide, because I just really feel that this film is really educational for children which is age 13+
I also love the cast player who really did the good job, I mean the emotions well just really good & it was such a successful massage that I got
Although it rated as 16+ (and my age over that) but I think below 16 should watch it too but under parental guide, because I just really feel that this film is really educational for children which is age 13+
Interesting premise wasted
mobblethewale16 August 2018
The series starts with two schoolgirls switching bodies. One is a bullied outsider and the other a well-liked member of class. But as soon as the switch happens, the whole premise is wasted. After the switch nothing in the behaviour of the bodies has changed. The well-liked girl in the body of the outsider behaves just as shy as the outsider did before the switch. It's like the camera just followed the other girl and nothing else happened
Great message.
ssteve-664443 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the show. I totally forgot about my HW because I was bingeing this. At first I was kinda skeptical of how the story would go because it seemed to develop too fast. However, after watching it more, it impressed me more and more. (It was actually not too fast)
I am nearly out of high school and I think the message of this show is great. This is a topic not many people touch on. Even when they do, most don't go too deep into the topic. Although, the topic seems pretty simple, once you get deeper into it it starts to get harder because of how much logic and ethics intertwine with this topic. This show did an excellent job of presenting, executing, and concluding this topic. A very heart warming ending but not too much to make it feel superficial.
It did a great job with hiding the real plot so the impact of the show was amplified. There are quite a few plot holes in the supernatural side of the show. Although, the show was still great with them, I think it would have been even better if they spent a little more time with the obvious plot holes.
I have noticed people talking about the flashbacks. In my opinion the flashbacks were not that bad but I would agree that some of them were not necessary. I have also read people talking about the music. The music does have its bad moments but overall it did not take away from the show's impact.
I am nearly out of high school and I think the message of this show is great. This is a topic not many people touch on. Even when they do, most don't go too deep into the topic. Although, the topic seems pretty simple, once you get deeper into it it starts to get harder because of how much logic and ethics intertwine with this topic. This show did an excellent job of presenting, executing, and concluding this topic. A very heart warming ending but not too much to make it feel superficial.
It did a great job with hiding the real plot so the impact of the show was amplified. There are quite a few plot holes in the supernatural side of the show. Although, the show was still great with them, I think it would have been even better if they spent a little more time with the obvious plot holes.
I have noticed people talking about the flashbacks. In my opinion the flashbacks were not that bad but I would agree that some of them were not necessary. I have also read people talking about the music. The music does have its bad moments but overall it did not take away from the show's impact.
Solid Japanese body-swap drama
Tweekums19 May 2022
This Japanese series is centred on four high school students; good looking and popular Ayumi and her friends Kaga and Koshiro, and unpopular loner Zenko. One day, during a rare red moon, Ayumi receives a phone call from Zenko. Zenko tells her to look at the building behind her... she then jumps. We then see Zenko waking up; except it isn't Zenko it is Ayumi... they have switched places. Ayumi is about to learn what it is like to be the unpopular girl and Zenko is going to learn that it takes more than good looks to be popular and happy. Will Ayumi find a way to get back into her own body?
I thought this series was pretty solid. More often than not films/series where characters swap bodies it is done primarily for laughs, here it is for drama. This is clear from the start as the means of switching involves suicide. The story progresses nicely over the series' six episodes; during this time the characters develop in interesting ways. There are a few twists along the way. The cast does a fine job most notably Miu Tomita, who plays Zenko, and obviously Ayumi when she is in Zenko's body. The setting, mostly inside the school and in Zenko's home are good in a very unglamorous way. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the body-swap genre looking for something different.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
I thought this series was pretty solid. More often than not films/series where characters swap bodies it is done primarily for laughs, here it is for drama. This is clear from the start as the means of switching involves suicide. The story progresses nicely over the series' six episodes; during this time the characters develop in interesting ways. There are a few twists along the way. The cast does a fine job most notably Miu Tomita, who plays Zenko, and obviously Ayumi when she is in Zenko's body. The setting, mostly inside the school and in Zenko's home are good in a very unglamorous way. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the body-swap genre looking for something different.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Freaky Friday extreme
Glue2Screen14 August 2023
At first I was worried this would be a thin teenage drama with body switching as the main plot but I soon became so engrossed in the story. Be forewarned though, this drama carries a very heavy theme of self-harm (viewers discretion advised as some very direct self-harm scenes are depicted very realistically).
Firstly, the story is so captivating as it gets rolling. There are no wasted moments and even less filler. My biggest complaint of many Korean and Chinese drama is the fact that they are too long and filled with unnecessary filler (annoying with story is compromised for profit). Switched, however, is perfectly balanced. You have the fantasy, romance and a lot of focus on seeking the inward beauty.
Secondly, this cast is quite amazing. I never seen any of them in any other shows, but am I very pleased with the performance. It is tough to portray one character, even tougher when you have to portray another character trapped inside another (wow this sentence confused even me haha, but if you have seen Switched you would understand.).
Overall, great drama! Binge-worthy! It's only 6 episodes (I actually would have loved if it were 10 episodes actually.)
Firstly, the story is so captivating as it gets rolling. There are no wasted moments and even less filler. My biggest complaint of many Korean and Chinese drama is the fact that they are too long and filled with unnecessary filler (annoying with story is compromised for profit). Switched, however, is perfectly balanced. You have the fantasy, romance and a lot of focus on seeking the inward beauty.
Secondly, this cast is quite amazing. I never seen any of them in any other shows, but am I very pleased with the performance. It is tough to portray one character, even tougher when you have to portray another character trapped inside another (wow this sentence confused even me haha, but if you have seen Switched you would understand.).
Overall, great drama! Binge-worthy! It's only 6 episodes (I actually would have loved if it were 10 episodes actually.)
Excellent show
xmasinswiss28 July 2023
Another binge watch worthy Japanese show.
Really liked the fantasy element of the story, and the performances of the four main leads. The whole story was handled in a nice, nuanced, mature way.
I didn't notice any "body-shaming," but a study into how our background and looks influence our characters.
One word of caution is on the suicide theme, which is sadly very common for Japanese movies. People who are sensitive to this, would be wise to exercise caution when watching.
If only people would yell less in many of the shows produced in East Asia. It's not as bad here as in some Korean dramas, but at times I did have to lower the volume!
Really liked the fantasy element of the story, and the performances of the four main leads. The whole story was handled in a nice, nuanced, mature way.
I didn't notice any "body-shaming," but a study into how our background and looks influence our characters.
One word of caution is on the suicide theme, which is sadly very common for Japanese movies. People who are sensitive to this, would be wise to exercise caution when watching.
If only people would yell less in many of the shows produced in East Asia. It's not as bad here as in some Korean dramas, but at times I did have to lower the volume!
I don't believe it
archangestelle7 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I understand that someone who was beaten by her mother and poor has no self-esteem, I think plastic surgery can't help with that, so I understand why she felt bad even after getting everything. What I don't believe is that everyone became nice to the ugly girl. If you have an opinion of someone that won't change like that. Teenage boys loved the girl's soul not her body is a very nice sentiment but I have my doubts.
Worth a watch if you like a good message about body image! The way a teen views her life!
Peanut713923 November 2018
This show is definitely for teens and a good message. It will lag in places but you will want to see what happens at the end. I did watch from beginning to the end. It was that good for me. I'm not a teenager but I got the message from the beginning when one girl says why she did what she did. The home life, the not being noticed in school and feeling like your being bullied. I get it and that is why I had to watch. I thought it was more like the show "Switched", on one of the networks. It wasn't anything like it. I enjoyed the acting and said "WOW", when I saw the one girl running, running and running. The girls and the boys acting in the show is superb! You all in this series are amazing actors and actress! The writers of this how, good story-line and message for all youth. Great job!
Harmful message
eri-sty17 March 2019
I admit I only watched the first episode, but it's absolutely terrible. After the so called "ugly girl" switched bodies with the pretty popular one, we see that she's not only ugly but also has an awful, vengeful character. Who wrote and produced that? Teenagers are watching it! It only deepens the stereotypes and encourages bullying. I can't even.
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