Dakaichi: Spain Arc – Movie Review

Takato and Junta are famous actors with thriving careers. Unbeknownst to most people, these two stars have a secret romance. Junta is smitten with Takato. They have a sexual relationship, although Takato is often resistant to Junta's dominance in their power dynamic. This couple has broken up in the past, but they reconciled again. Nonetheless, the memory of their breakup haunts Junta, making him feel like he might lose Takato at any time.

Recently, Takato and Junta are cast in an upcoming drama together. This story takes place in Spain, where Junta was raised. They play the two leads in a love triangle, competing for the same woman's affections. Since dancing is a crucial part of the plot, Takato must train extensively to match Junta's proficient skills. However, Takato is frustrated because his dancing lacks finesse and spirit. He fears getting outshined by Junta's performance on screen.

Takato travels to Spain to absorb the culture and train his dancing skills. Upon arrival, he meets an older man named Ceres, who performs a charismatic dance on the streets. They quickly become friends. Ceres demonstrates maturity, sophistication, and poise, qualities that Takato finds appealing. Later, Ceres reveals a surprising family connection to Junta.

Junta has also travelled to Spain, following wherever his secret lover goes. He introduces Takato to his family and friends in his hometown. They meet Antonio, Junta's childhood best friend, a flamboyant character with a confident personality. Since Antonio has a crush on Junta, he feels threatened by Takato's presence. Takato also seems annoyed at his love rival, who is a much better dancer than him. The two characters butt heads, developing an intense rivalry.

Junta and Takato spend their first evening in Spain together. Junta offers to help his lover with the dance lessons. However, Takato feels annoyed and believes he can handle the training alone. After a disagreement, Takato leaves the lodging and chooses to spend the night at a hotel instead. His departure triggers painful memories in Junta, reminding him of their past breakup. Suddenly, Junta's possessive impulses take over. He doesn't want Takato to leave him again.

Going into the Dakaichi movie, I set low expectations. The anime series, released in 2018, troubled me due to its overwhelmingly toxic nonconsensual encounters. Let's not beat around the bush. Dakaichi romanticizes rape, packaging it as a BL love story. The franchise carries so much problematic baggage that I can't review the film with a clean slate. I feel too icky about the predatory protagonist and his dysfunctional romance. This sequel suffers from its troubled past.

Dakaichi: Spain Arc doesn't redeem the series or improve its reputation. The movie continues the same depraved trajectory by glorifying harassment. It takes wicked delight in sexual exploitation, savouring Takato's discomfort as he tearfully resists the aggressive advances. The Dakaichi team is committed to this warped power dynamic, where every sex scene requires Takato to struggle against his will. Beyond the morality issues, seeing the same rapport played out each time is repetitive as hell. Ugh, can this couple switch up their stale foreplay?

To be fair, the sex scenes only make up a limited portion of the plot. The rest of the Dakaichi movie is dedicated to Takato's zany adventures in Spain. Yet, the narrative feels aimless and takes a while to go anywhere interesting. I don't think Takato's dance lessons are exciting enough to dedicate an entire movie to his experiences. The film also introduces two new characters, Ceres & Antonio, with colourful personalities. Despite receiving a lot of focus, they don't serve a real purpose to the story. Generally, the supporting cast hogs too much attention from the leads.

Dakaichi: Spain Arc coasts along on its thin, meandering plot in the beginning. Later in the film, the story ignites with a few emotionally compelling moments. These scenes are drawn well, convey a sombre vibe, and enrich the characters' inner thoughts. Although I despise Junta, he receives decent development that adds nuance to his motivations. Unfortunately, the Dakaichi movie doesn't maintain this consistent quality throughout the narrative. There are only several instances of captivating brilliance in between the mundane content.

The Dakaichi movie is stylish and atmospheric with beautiful visuals. Spain is a culturally rich location, adding a distinct flavour to the vibrant scenery. The film succeeds in creating a sophisticated aesthetic with warm colours, lush backgrounds, and a cozy ambiance. Also, I'm pleased the characters no longer have the weird shading on their necks. That detail looked distracting in the original anime series, so making this change is welcomed. With that said, I still think the elongated necks appear strange anatomically. Sometimes, the character designs are a little off.

I must acknowledge that Dakaichi's sex scenes look polished. There's no explicit nudity, but the movements, expressions & voices convey an undeniable sensuality. Without context, these raunchy scenes would feel steamy and erotic. The problem is I can't overlook the abusive relationship history. Junta rapes Takato multiple times, but then he dares to say, "I love you so much". This couple repulses me and I find their romance disingenuous. The Dakaichi sequel needed significant rehabilitation. Instead, the movie offers a reiteration of the same old toxic tropes.