Review of Sing "Yesterday" for Me
This is a story where we are able to see the perspective of four different characters that are all unconditionally related, whether it's love or friendship or past memories that tie them together. Before each episode's "drama", we are able to get in to the mood by seeing the characters living their daily life and daydreaming. It's so simple, yet it roots its viewers about the realism of this story. Our lives aren't packed with action or emotions or reflective thinking. Sometimes we are just breathing and working and we'll all have an uncomfortable silence during our days. Every episode we are able to slowly see charactergrowth, but not in an outstanding way. It's normal and slow and extremely annoying to watch. And that's fine. This is real life. The characters are chaotic in their own way and that's why it upsets many viewers. It's the grasp of familiarity colliding with us.
Besides the story and the characters, I have to mention the camera work. During the dialogues, It's really nice to be able to see the character's surroundings. It somehow creates the reality that the characters are in. They are not just speaking or walking in a random street. It is the same exact street they walk everyday. And if you turn right, you'll see the park where they met. And if you walk 400m, you'll find the school. It reminds me that while we are watching one character's "important screen time", there's always going to be something going on the other side.
I can see why many people are annoyed at this series. I am too. I hate every single character except Haru. None of the characters are perfect, but the toxicity that some are portraying makes me extremely mad. At least we are on the same page on that. However, discrediting the work just because the character is making the wrong decision or being toxic is really stupid. The creator is not trying to make flawless relationships. Adulthood is a mess and if you think that " he/she shouldn't have done that ", please step out of your moral ground and think about your bad actions while you were in a relationship. AND if you don't have any experience, just be quiet and learn ??? If you meet a Rikuo or a Shinako in real life, you'll know exactly what you're going to do: ignore them. Because conflicting personalities exist. Insecurities exist. And grief may be there inside. PSTD too. Stop judging people like they are hell and acknowledge that people can be shitty sometimes. And it's your choice to forgive or leave.
Something that does bother me is that, I think people should first be happy with themselves before getting into a relationship, you know... fix your own problems before joining someone else's, but I'm pretty sure half of the couples in this world can't understand this concept and that's why the author decided to go with this type of drama. Emotionally supporting each other is also a perk of being in a relationship, but the border between toxicity and non-toxicity can easily be broken.
All in all, the last episode was a shipwreck. Haru is precious and she deserves someone stable and thoughtful. She didn't do anything morally wrong in the series but the way she clings on to her love is really childish. She should finish her high school degree instead of chasing a broke, insecure and ugly man. I hope Rikuo learns ways to boost his brain cells and self-esteem. Shinako needs a therapist before trying to date anyone. Rou needs to find someone for his age and stop looking at his dead brother's classmate/crush. But really, being happy and secure as an individual works wonders when getting in a relationship.
With all that I've said, I recommend everyone to at least watch a few episodes if you like romance/seinen, but don't expect wholesome or heart-warming.