Depth of Field – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

When the series began, the rooftop setting caught my eye right away. Wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous! Imagine going to a school with a cinematic view of the sea and sky. At first, I wondered if it was actually real lol. Did they use a green screen? An optical illusion? Some AI-generated voodoo? Soon, I realized the scenery was genuine. Depth of Field outshines the rooftop scenes in every other BL drama!

Sex is surprisingly prominent in the first episode. In fact, the first scene shows Hayakawa hooking up with a girl in a classroom, not how I expected a BL drama to start. Later, Hayakawa is with another girl, but this time he fantasizes about Konno instead. Konno kneels between Hayakawa's legs, lifting his head and staring into the camera with come-hither eyes. Oh wow, that's a little scandalous! This series enjoys being provocative and knows how to shock its audience. And it worked on me. I was cackling inappropriately at Hayakawa's gay fantasy. 😆

Depth of Field gets compared to Our Youth, the popular Japanese BL story from last year. I see some similarities between these two angsty teen dramas. However, Depth of Field isn't as good as Our Youth, so this comparison makes it look worse. Sorry, but they aren't in the same league. Instead, Depth of Field actually reminds me of Sing My Crush, a Korean BL drama from a while ago. Both series are about a sad teen musician who yearns for his ambiguously straight friend. While Sing My Crush is less angsty, the story plays out similarly to Depth of Field.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

Oh damn, I didn't realize playing the piano could be so intense. I thought it was just a fun childhood hobby, but the competition results turned ugly. I felt sympathetic toward Hayakawa. It sucks when other people's bitterness takes the joy out of what you love. The flashback added depth to his character, helping me understand him better. In the first episode, it wasn't clear why he seemed depressed. Now, the story has given us a glimpse of his ~villain origin story~.

Konno comes across as such a well-adjusted teenager. I like his personality a lot. He speaks with composure and responds to questions thoughtfully. His self-assurance is remarkable, especially for someone his age. In BL dramas, some teenage characters can be annoying because they are so whiny and insecure. Konno isn't like that at all. He's the definition of cool, calm, and collected. Even though the story is told from Hayakawa's perspective, Konno's good qualities shine clearly. I understand why Hayakawa develops a crush on his friend.

In contrast, Hayakawa is such a hilarious mess lmao. He's teenage angst with legs, stumbling through his emotions and making impulsive choices. OMG, the kiss at the end!? The characters were arguing, and suddenly, Hayakawa's kiss came out of nowhere. The scene felt clunky and escalated too fast, right? The story should build up the tension better. But still, Hayakawa's actions caught me off guard. I'm starting the next episode immediately because I need to find out how Konno reacts!

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

That was a tense way to start the episode! Hayakawa definitely crossed the line by forcing himself on Konno. Even though he was stopped, got overpowered, and apologized later, what he did was still unacceptable. I'm also noticing a disturbing pattern. 4 out of the 5 Japanese BL dramas I watched recently include some form of sexual misconduct. This shouldn't be treated like a standard plot device. Despite everything, the confrontation between the leads was gripping. Their intense emotions gave the scene a powerful impact.

After the apology, I expected Hayakawa to be more careful. Instead, he catches Konno off guard with another kiss at the end of the episode. Dude, seriously? Learn your boundaries! I can't tell what Konno is thinking through all of this. He never reciprocates or brings up the topic afterward. He just acts like nothing happened. Your friend kissed you inappropriately. Say something! I'm frustrated because the story keeps Konno's emotions so vague that it's hard to understand where he stands.

I thought Yama was going to be a childhood love interest. I assumed part of Hayakawa's angst comes from a broken heart, but Yama just turned out to be a complete jerk. He got caught badmouthing his friend. Instead of apologizing, he doubled down on the insults. I feel sorry for poor Hayakawa. That betrayal stings. While quitting music forever is a dramatic response, I could see why it triggers painful memories. I finally understand why this teenager is so damn angsty.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

Aww, I like seeing Hayakawa's character transformation. He started the series feeling lost about himself. Now, he has regained his passion for music. And it was nice to see him apologize to Kohane after snapping at her. She has been nothing but kind to him, and I'm glad he realizes that. Earlier, Hayakawa also apologized to Konno. What he did was still wrong, but at least he showed genuine remorse. While I don't completely forgive him for everything, I appreciate his efforts to make things right.

Photography is Konno's passion. He wants to study it, gain experience, and turn his hobby into a career. His plan sounds simple, but it's actually amazing that he has mapped out his future. Not everyone knows what they dream of doing in life. At his age, I didn't have a fucking clue, so I admire those who have their shit figured out. I also respect Konno's wisdom. At one point, he jokes, "Feels pretty good. I said something impressive." But it's true. He's full of great advice for Hayakawa and even inspires his friend's growth. Hayakawa was lost before meeting Konno. Now, he has found his purpose.

Is Konno sending signals? He invites his friend into the bedroom and casually undresses in front of him. Dude, what is your endgame here? When Konno starts doodling on Hayakawa's notebook, I misinterpret his picture and think he's drawing a hairy wiener. LMAO. Another signal! And then, he offers his friend a banana beverage? Oh, that's practically a proposition! Okay, I'm just kidding, but it's fun to overanalyze Konno's every move and guess his feelings.

Konno starts mentoring another student in photography. Their relationship is platonic, but it still sets off Hayakawa's jealousy. "She definitely has another motive," he mutters. Oh, please. Hayakawa should be the last person to accuse anyone of having hidden intentions around Konno. Take a look in the mirror, sweetie. Honestly, Hayakawa annoys me so much. I spend half the series grumbling about him or tossing out snarky comments. I don't hate him, but part of the fun is roasting every move he makes.

The episode ends with another kiss. The third one so far! Unlike last time, Konno can't pretend to be asleep and ignore his friend's advances. He must confront the situation. The episode ends before Konno responds, but I really hope he returns Hayakawa's feelings soon. At this point, the one-sided relationship is getting uncomfortable. Instead of a mutual romance, it's just Hayakawa forcing affection on someone who won't reciprocate. It makes him seem desperate. 😓 Still, my gut says Konno isn't interested. Despite the teasing, the stripping, and the banana drink, his energy feels platonic.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

Oh, there's a time skip after the failed confession! When BL dramas do this, it typically means they're aging up the characters to do a steamy romantic scene. These BL makers think they're so subtle, but I've cracked the secret code~ 😏 My instincts tell me the Hayakawa x Konno hook-up is imminent. Even though they've drifted apart and haven't talked for years, their reunion is gonna be spicy. I know it's only a matter of time before Konno puts his depth into Hayakawa's field.

"For just a casual chat while standing around, this topic sure goes deep." Heh heh, that line made me laugh. Konno opens up to his coworkers, and it's nice to see his perspective. The most revealing moment comes when Konno learns about the fluidity of sexuality. Konno has always been mature, but he didn't know how to process same-sex attraction. Meeting Ume, the pansexual king, enlightens him. Their conversation broadens his view (depth of field!) and sparks a new openness toward romance. I love that for him!

After reuniting as adults, the leads chat casually about haircuts, and Konno cracks me up with his reply. "That's such a Konno answer," Hayakawa quips. Hehe, so true! Still, there's an uneasiness between these two former friends. I'm sad they grew apart. But honestly, Hayakawa was smart to distance himself before their relationship became unhealthy. As adults, their reunion feels awkward. I don't sense much romance yet, though the episode stirs up plenty of buried emotions. It sets the stage for the finale perfectly. Will they or won't they? The tension is exhilarating!

Episode 6

Ending Review

OMG, that drunken kiss!!! Konno initiates it, but then he pretends to go back to sleep immediately. Oh, this bastard is playing the "I'm confused about my sexuality and feelings for you" card all the way until the end. Thankfully, Konno owns up to it later. He admits the kiss was intentional. Konno got drunk, experimented a bit, kissed a dude, and found out he liked it. Good for him! Someone give this man his LGBTQ+ badge already!

Despite Minami's hilarious attempts to create last-minute panic (HE'S LEAVING FOR AMERICA! 😲 TONIGHT!!! 😫😫😫), Hayakawa and Konno meet once more. Their encounter is juicy, dripping with sexual tension. The climax comes when Konno finally admits, "I don't kiss just anyone. I only did it because it was you." Oh. My. God. I'M SCREAMINGGGG. After six episodes of pent-up sexual frustration, this payoff is so satisfying! During the confession, Konno pauses and swallows hard before delivering his iconic lines. This tiny visual detail adds to the sincerity of his words.

Hayakawa doesn't waste a second once Konno gives him the green light. He dives straight into their relationship, full speed ahead. "I want three years' worth of kisses." lmaooooo he's so real for that. That man has waited long enough, and he's not doing a slow-burn romance anymore. Hilariously enough, he even pauses dinner just to make out with his new boyfriend. Forget the food, Konno is the real feast! And you know what? I'm fully on board. If they want to spend the last few minutes of the series just kissing nonstop, I'm perfectly content with that. 😌

By the way, I thought Konno was leaving for New York to help his dad or whatever. Minami spent the entire last episode warning us that Konno would be leaving the country, as if it were a Very Big Deal. (HE ALREADY BOARDED THE PLANE!!! 😫) Soooo… why is he still around in the last scene? The trip isn't permanent, I guess? He could always return to Japan and spend time with his new boyfriend. Still, it feels like an unresolved loose end or some manufactured drama for the last episode lol.

The final scene takes place on the school rooftop, a perfect spot to wrap up the story where it began. The couple's moment is sweet, but it left me wanting more. I wish we had gotten an extra episode or two to explore their relationship after they started dating. Depth of Field only has six episodes, which keeps the pacing tight and eliminates filler. Yet, it leaves little room for romantic fluff. A few more scenes of fanservice would be nice, especially after all that unrequited longing.