User reviews

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 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.

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 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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

First Love. I watched this series on Netflix. Nine episodes long. The pilot episode itself is such an engaging watch.

The cinematography is the main positive of this romance saga. Some scenes in the first few episodes are mind-blowing. You could feel the essence of each shot conveyed through the brilliant cinematography.

The acting, especially of Takeru Satoh is appreciable. His screen presence is very delightful to watch. But, the one who impressed me more was not him, but the person who played his teenage self. I couldn't find the name of that actor but he sure did a great job.

The screenplay is the real problem here. At the start, we could enjoy the non-linear approach of storytelling since it was timed well and gave us that feeling of knowing what awaits in the upcoming episodes. But, after the fifth episode, this approach became less interesting.

I was able to connect to almost all the emotional things except the tsunami. The moment when Namiki abandoned her and both of them shared their respective feelings, I was there watching it with no emotion. It didn't get connected to me.

Another negative is the length. For me, it felt like the creators were trying to make an hour-long episode forcefully. Some stretchy scenes were not at all interesting.

Apart from that, First Love is a wonderful watch.

And, out of all, the most important and good thing about this series is the song named 'First Love'. That song playing in the background was such an experience. I came to know that song only after watching this drama and I'm thankful for it.

I'm ending this review by quoting my favourite scene from the entire series. In Episode 8, at the end, when the female protagonist listens to the song 'First Love' and when she gets the memories of both her and Namiki with that song in the background the editing is a visual experience. It's a literal cinematic experience.

7/10 Signing off, Thank You.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are someone who enjoys romance genre that is close to reality and doesn't rush through then you must watch First Love.

The series shows us the life of two characters and let us explore their world through a perfectly laid non-linear path. These fragments come together as memories, regrets, nostalgia, and form a story that leaves an impact on the heart of the viewers.

The best part is not only its realistic aproach towards how life unfolds for each of us but also lies in its intricately and beautifully written characters. These characters take us far away from the 2D image we have of each other and show us the gray side (the untold story) of them.

It's slow pace lets you absorb the emotions of the characters and helps you in becoming a part of their story.

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.

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.