Our Youth – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

In the first 30 seconds of the series, we're already introduced to a meaningful piece of symbolism. Jin walks in a straight line along the seashore. He briefly detours toward the water, hesitates, and returns to his original path. This moment reflects Jin's nature. He's a disciplined student who follows a predefined path in life. He's never meant to stray away from it. His caution stops him from exploring new opportunities. Jin's life is straight and narrow, mirroring the rigidity of his character. That's how the story introduces our protagonist.

There are three types of people in this world: those who use the faucet to wash their hands, those who drink from it, and those who break it and spray themselves with water. That's how the story introduces Haruki, the school rebel. His unconventional behaviour is immediately apparent. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the scene. He looks so silly lol. While Haruki's actions with the tap water may seem random, a deeper meaning is revealed later in the story. Intriguing and seemingly inexplicable, Haruki's character reminds us not to judge based on first impressions. There's always more beneath the surface.

The real quote describes the dynamics of violence, dividing the world into perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. The framework fits this drama: Haruki is the victim, his abusive father is the perpetrator, and everyone else are bystanders for not intervening. Jin has always lived as a bystander. He's taught to mind his business and not get involved. However, he meets Haruki and witnesses his suffering. Despite the warnings, Jin's instinct is to support his classmate. This story is fascinating because it explores what happens when a bystander decides to help a victim.

I like how the other students eat lunch on the school rooftop alongside Jin and his friends. In many Japanese BL dramas, the protagonist is the only one up there. Having other people populate the area is realistic. Also, it's amusing to see them bring chairs to sit on, a quirky detail most series wouldn't include. My theory: the production wanted to film on the roof for its pretty visuals, but going there seems too rebellious for Jin's character. Including other students around him makes his presence feel more ordinary.

Jin feeding water to Haruki is a memorable moment since it foreshadows their relationship dynamic. At first, Jin hesitates to get involved. He offers the bottle from a distance, reflecting his stance as a bystander. As Jin moves closer and spills the water, his clumsy actions symbolize his awkward attempts to help. At last, Jin carefully places the bottle on Haruki's lips. His intimate gesture is full of tenderness. This scene mirrors how Jin's feelings evolve over the series, from reluctance to clumsiness to affection.

In the final scene, the severity of Haruki's bruises is revealed. Oh, they look painful! As Jin treats his classmate's injuries, he delivers a chilling line: "This can't happen again. Don't talk to me at school." Jin feels conflicted. Despite sympathizing with Haruki, he hesitates getting too involved with the school troublemaker. Jin wants to retreat to his role as a bystander and return to the predefined path he has always followed. The closing scene mirrors how the episode began, emphasizing Jin's caution to stray away from his carefully structured life.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

This episode explains why Jin hesitates to get close to Haruki. He's surrounded by disapproving friends and family, whose opinions weigh on him. Shiba is the judgmental friend, warning Jin to avoid Haruki and condemning him as a bad influence. While Nemoto may be more lighthearted, he still loves to gossip, especially about Majima's smoking habits. Did you notice in the restaurant scene that Nemoto holds the straw near his mouth, almost like a cigarette? The story hints that he later becomes a smoker after giving in to his curiosity.

Aside from his friends, Jin has a judgmental mother who instills twisted views in him. She condemns her husband and anyone pursuing artistic careers. "Don't waste your life like him." These are cruel words, considering creative professionals make an honest living, just like her. Later, she warns Jin that bad friends can ruin his life. Jin jokingly says, "It's better to avoid friendships altogether." She actually praises him for this idea. Her toxic parenting style shapes Jin's rigid worldview. He's reluctant to engage with those outside his narrow definition of "good company".

Haruki grows fond of Jin and invites him to watch movies at his house. The visit offers a deeper glimpse into Haruki's life. We see his dad's messy drinking area, contrasted by loving photos of his mother, hinting at his complicated family background. When they enter Haruki's bedroom, it's nothing like you'd expect based on his delinquent reputation. Instead of booze, drugs, or weapons, it's a typical teenager's room filled with movies, art supplies, and even a jar of lollipops. Despite Haruki's tough exterior, his private space reveals a softer side of him.

While watching the movie, Haruki shares a profound quote through his film analysis. "Some people can overcome their suffering, while others get consumed by it." The line is especially poignant as it mirrors Haruki's own life. He faces abuse at home, judgment at school, and condemnation from society. Can he break free from this cycle and create a better future, or is he doomed to a life of despair? The film resonates with Haruki because its themes echo the questions he constantly asks himself.

Jin lets Haruki stay at his place for the night, giving him a safe refuge from his abusive home. Sitting together, Jin opens up about his distant relationship with his parents. Haruki listens and realizes they have a lot in common. In that vulnerable moment, he suggests they kiss. It seems sudden, but his response stems from complex emotions. One, he hopes to comfort Jin and connect with him due to their shared struggles. Two, he's grateful for Jin's kindness and wants to show appreciation. And three, he's simply attracted to Jin. Haruki acts on his growing feelings for the guy he likes.

As outsiders, it's easy to question Haruki's situation. Why doesn't he leave, seek help, or fight back? However, the psychology of an abuse victim is complicated. Haruki believes he's protecting his mother by acting as a punching bag for his father. If he endures the violence, he'll shield her from harm. While this logic may seem irrational, his motivations stem from a misguided sense of responsibility. Beyond the physical abuse, Haruki is hurt by emotional trauma. His father's psychological scars have warped Haruki's mind, conditioning him to accept his circumstances.

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

Haruki is unfairly labelled as a troublemaker. Another common misconception is that he must be a playboy. In reality, he's inexperienced. Haruki has admitted to never kissing anyone before Jin. When he mentions his virginity to his pool buddies, they react with ridicule. He's annoyed these so-called friends refuse to understand him. The story explains why Haruki prefers to be around Jin, who accepts him without judgment. Given the choice, Haruki would rather spend time with Jin over Majima or anyone else.

Hehe~ I like the scene where Haruki gets jealous after Jin praises a random TV actor. I'M BETTER LOOKING THAN HIM! He tries to prove his suaveness with another kiss, but it backfires. Jin is alarmed as his thoughts shift from academics to his love life. His test scores begin to slip, whereas Shiba, the perpetually single friend, maintains his spot as a top student. This confirms Jin's suspicion that love is a distraction. His worries intensify when he sees Haruki with a girl, feeding into his playboy reputation. Jin gets the wrong idea and decides to keep his distance.

After being beaten by his father, Haruki waits for Jin in the rain. Shockingly, he admits to provoking the fight on purpose. "If I get hit, will you feel sorry for me again?" This mindset is dangerous since Haruki equates pain with receiving attention. It reveals his distorted self-worth, shaped by abuse, where he feels valued only through pity. Despite Haruki's recklessness, the two reconcile. In Jin's inner monologue, he reflects, "I can't leave you alone while you're swept away without resistance." Haruki appears so vulnerable that Jin's instinct is to protect him.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

While shirtless and clutching Jin's hand, Haruki says, "I won't fall in love with you. We're both men." Oh, he's using the I'm-not-gay card to deflect from his true feelings. Despite his promise, Haruki continues to flirt shamelessly at every opportunity. At school, Haruki plays footsie under the desk. At night, Haruki embraces Jin and whispers, "Am I being seduced?" Even when they're apart, Haruki sends hilariously uncharacteristic lovey-dovey text messages. Wow, he's totally smitten!

An iconic moment in this episode is when Haruki takes a bite from Jin's popsicle. I know what you're thinking, and yes, it's as suggestive as it sounds~ Jin worries because he's ill and may infect his companion. But Haruki's response is absolutely one for the BL history books. "Then infect me," he says before diving in for a kiss. "Infect me, just a little." OMFGGGG. I'M SCREAMING. The series dials up the intimacy by removing all background music, making every smack of their lips audible. And as if the kiss wasn't enough, Haruki starts licking Jin's hand afterward. OMFG. Just… wow.

While Haruki's interactions are flirty and sensual, Jin balances the romance with sweetness and sensitivity. After their exchange the night before, Jin buys Haruki a gift. Thank you for making out with me! Here's a handkerchief as a token of my appreciation! Aww, how cute is this? The series delivers passion but follows it with tenderness, making the love story feel multifaceted. When the couple holds hands late at night, their emotions feel so genuine. But they were talking so loudly with their classmates nearby. It was risky! I was worried someone would overhear them!

Jin now sleeps with the window open, an erratic habit he never had before. While this change seems minor, it reflects his uncharacteristic lack of caution. Haruki's influence subtly makes Jin more reckless than usual, and he falls ill as a result. Jin's sickness coincides with his growing feelings for Haruki. This timing is deliberate because the story wants to hint at the correlation. Being in love brings positive changes, but there may also be side effects. This relationship begins to intoxicate Jin, adding chaos to his orderly life.

This episode introduces the idea that Haruki has infected Jin. Haruki delivers a meaningful line: "They say the cold goes away if you infect other people." On the surface, he refers to Jin's illness, but there's a deeper implication. Haruki carries a psychological burden due to his father's abuse. By getting involved, Jin begins to shoulder his companion's pain. Haruki feels better because he no longer faces his problems alone. Yet, Jin is worse off since he feels responsible for looking after Haruki's well-being. Haruki's trauma has passed to Jin, leaving him emotionally drained.

The episode ends with another symbolic exchange. Jin confesses, "The more I'm with you, the weaker I become." Haruki replies, "But when I'm with you, I feel stronger." This dialogue captures the essence of their relationship dynamic. To protect Haruki, Jin must lend him some of his strength. Haruki finds solace in their bond and sees it as a bright spot in his bleak life. Yet, this support system comes at a cost. Jin now bears a mental toll. Their romance is compelling because it reveals an imbalance: one partner gains while the other sacrifices.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

This episode reveals Haruki's perspective on past events and provides valuable insights. He attacked a teacher to defend another student, refusing to be a bystander in the face of injustice. However, resorting to violence unsettles him because his worst fear is becoming like his father. When Haruki uses the school faucet to drench himself in water, it's his way of releasing his rage and regaining self-control. He tries to cool down by cleansing himself from his violent impulses.

Previously, Haruki appeared suave when seducing Jin, but this episode reveals the doubts beneath his bravado. After their first kiss, Haruki thinks, "He must've hated me." His second kiss stemmed from anxiety that Jin might not return his feelings. The most poignant moment comes when he reflects on injuring himself to reconcile with Jin. Driven by desperation, Haruki knew his actions were wrong. On top of his physical wounds, he struggles with the guilt of using self-inflicted harm to seek sympathy. Hearing Haruki's thoughts on each incident makes the story more heartbreaking.

Jin nervously asks, "Are we homosexuals?" I crack up at Haruki's response afterward as he utters a simple OH. I interpret it as shorthand for, "Oh, you haven't realized it yet?" The right time to ask this question was ages ago. The answer should be obvious when you've been making out with this dude every episode since then. 😅 Thankfully, Jin grows more comfortable about his sexuality with each kiss. My favourite moment is when Jin says, "Don't kiss me at school," and Haruki focuses on the "at school" part. I can sense another OH! moment is coming lmao~

One small detail I enjoy is how Jin and Haruki quietly observe each other. For instance, Jin turns to study Haruki's expression during the movie premiere. Haruki does the same in different scenes. This feels realistic to me. As the couple falls in love, they naturally become curious and want to understand their partner's reactions. What does Haruki think of the film? How does he feel during this moment? These subtle touches make the love story more authentic.

Jin and Haruki feel distant from their families. Jin's parents are always busy with work. His mom is strict, but at least she checks in on him. His dad is barely involved, acting like a bystander in his son's upbringing. Even their rare phone call ends abruptly. Meanwhile, Haruki's abusive father is beyond hope. His mom shows him warmth and tries to communicate, but her attention is split with her new family. She could ask more about Haruki's struggles or try harder to involve him in her new life. Ultimately, the neglect from all four parents contributes to their children's suffering.

In the closing scene, Haruki plans to visit his mom while his stepdad is away. Jin joins him on this trip. A subtle moment happens when Haruki opens the bus window, and Jin mentions his motion sickness. This mirrors the last episode, where Jin opens his bedroom window and falls ill. The story foreshadows the conflict ahead. Before the visit, Jin starts to feel sick due to his emotional burden. He has the duty of telling Haruki's mom about the abuse. How much should he involve himself in Haruki's family matters, even if it goes against his partner's wishes?