Cherry Magic is a rare type of BL romantic drama. It may appear to be filled with cliches – yet viewers find it engrossing and endearing. While the story may be predictable, even generic to a certain extent, it weaves its magic to enchant viewers throughout its run.
Riding high on the huge success of the TV series, Cherry Magic transitions into a full-length feature film – with the same cast and with interesting departures from the concept in the original TV show.
Synopsis
Cherry Magic tells the story of a naive young man named Adachi Kiyoshi (Akaso Eiji), who can read the minds of anyone he touches. The fact that he’s still a virgin at the age of 30 is another novelty about him. Then, there’s this attractive and hardworking guy Kurosawa Yuichi (Machida Keita) who appears like a distant co-worker – actually has a crush on him!
The film continues the budding relationship between Adachi and Yuichi. This time, it centers on their evolving relationship and the adjustments each has to face. Adachi was transferred abruptly to another office, hence the lovers have to deal with a long-distance affair. It’s further put under pressure when they decided to face their parents and reveal the true status of their relationship.
Movie Trailer
Affiliate Link: Cherry Magic! The Movie: Thirty Years Of Virginity Can Make You A Wizard ?! Standard Edition (English Subtitles) / Japanese Movie
Review
While it may be ‘ideal’ to start with the TV show and progress to the film right after, you can watch the movie as a stand-alone feature. Yet, it might be advisable to start with the series to appreciate what the two guys have to go through.
The TV series offers something of a novelty in the way of magic. This magic resides in Adachi where he can read the minds of anyone he touches. With this premise, scenes that can put anyone into laughter are aplenty. Kudos to both Machida Keita and Akaso Eiji for coming up with all the fun, thrills, and romance. Their onscreen dynamics are commendable.
While the subject of an intimate relationship is not a full-frontal assault of the senses, the hints and body language are enough to render what exactly is on their minds. Having the focus on the main characters, with little deviation, is much appreciated.
The movie actually lost some of the magic, yet how it touches on the complications of a long-distance affair and the family revelations make up to some extent.
Recommendations
A good number of Japanese BL content producers have come up with some of the best office-based BL series. Among the best are Ossan’s Love, Old-Fashioned Cupcakes, and No Touching at All.
Thailand’s GMMTV is doing a live-action of Cherry Magic, starring Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom, slated for 2023.
PsychoWeird’s top 19 BL series (updated for 2022) is worth reading, with plenty of recommendations.
An old-timer BL fan way back in 2007. I started out loving BL after watching the Takumi-kun series from Japan, went on collecting BL manga, and watched old BL anime such as Junjou Romantica and the likes. Love of Siam allow me to transition into Thai, while Amphetamine gave me glimpses of Taiwanese BL magic. I love to write reviews and I’m one of the administrators of Psycho Weird.