BL Metamorphosis – Movie Review & Film Summary

Urara is a shy 17-year-old girl who loves reading BL manga. However, she feels self-conscious about her hobby. Urara doesn't tell anyone else about this passion, not even her childhood friend Tsumugu. Urara and Tsumugu have a close bond. Recently, he has begun spending more time with Eri, another female classmate. Urara observes their budding relationship quietly without comment.

Urara works part-time at a bookstore. One day, she encounters an elderly customer who makes a curious purchase. Yuki, a 75-year-old widow, buys her first BL manga. Initially, Yuki didn't know "I Just Want to See You" was a BL story. She bought the book solely because of the pretty artwork on the cover. As she reads the manga, Yuki is surprised when the male characters kiss in the book. Nevertheless, she is enchanted by the teenage love story.

Yuki returns to the bookshop to buy another installment of "I Just Want to See You". However, there's no more stock left. Urara, the employee helping her at the time, offers to call when a new order arrives. A friendly conversation forms between them. Yuki reveals she's a newcomer to the BL genre, but the teen romance resonated with her. "It makes me want to cheer them on," she explains. They carry their chat at a nearby café. Afterwards, Yuki and Urara agree to exchange contact information to discuss more BL in the future.

"I Just Want to See You" is an ongoing manga that hasn't finished yet. After Yuki catches up to the latest installment, she asks Urara for other BL manga recommendations. Urara visits the older woman's home with a bag of her favourite books. She worries some stories won't appeal to Yuki because they have steamier scenes. However, her friend is thankful for these commendations. As time passes, Urara continues visiting Yuki's place to chat about BL. The elderly woman prepares meals and teaches her about calligraphy, one of her favourite activities.

Urara and Yuki get along, developing a cozy friendship despite their age difference. Although Urara shares her BL hobby with Yuki, she remains secretive around everyone else. At school, she lies and pretends not to be interested in the genre. Meanwhile, Yuki's health problems worsen. Her frail physical condition makes her daughter, Hanae, concerned. Hanae doesn't want her mom to live alone anymore, although Yuki resists the idea of relocating.

BL Metamorphosis is a warm, cozy movie about an unlikely friendship. The main characters befriend each other despite their generation gap, bonding over a mutual interest in yaoi manga. You'll smile at the delightfully wholesome interactions between a senior woman and a teenage girl. The film depicts their hobby compassionately. Nobody judges them for liking BL, even if the elderly protagonist doesn't fit the demographics of a typical fan. BL Metamorphosis celebrates kindness, understanding, and positivity.

Despite the gentle vibes, there's occasional tension in BL Metamorphosis. The conflict comes from Urara's self-doubt. She is her worst enemy and seems insecure about this hobby. Even after BL becomes trendy in school, Urara denies her interest. It ties to her ongoing feelings of inferiority, a struggle that Yuki helps her overcome. Metamorphosis, a word that defines change, reflects Urara's journey as she transforms her perspective. What used to bring her shame turns into a source of pride. This movie sends empowering messages about conquering your demons.

Yuki's storyline also deals with change. She must battle the challenges of aging, particularly when her health declines. As Yuki confronts her physical setbacks, she takes comfort in her bond with Urara. Thanks to her teen companion, Yuki remains young at heart. She's introduced to BL, a new experience that makes her feel passionate, enthusiastic, and reinvigorated late in life. Most of all, Yuki is grateful for their friendship. She enjoys mentoring Urara and providing wise guidance. The last stage of Yuki's metamorphosis involves leaving her imprint on a new life cycle.

BL Metamorphosis isn't a dramatic movie. The plot develops ordinarily, never building to an intense climax, shocking twists, or heated confrontations. Despite the lack of action, I was charmed and engaged throughout this two-hour film. I feel attached to the endearing protagonists, care about their lives, and root for them to succeed. Both leads do a superb job with their portrayals. They speak authentically, behave realistically, and make this story feel more credible. The skilled actresses humanize their characters, giving Urara and Yuki much emotional nuance.

As you can tell, BL Metamorphosis drastically differs from many projects in this genre. No, it is not a BL movie. The plot focuses on the two female fans and their platonic friendship. Technically, there is BL content in a limited capacity. The leads follow a serialized manga whose characters fall in love. We occasionally see art panels depicting intimate encounters between Sakura and Yuma. Nonetheless, it'd be misleading to claim the film includes a romance. Without a conventional couple, BL Metamorphosis may not appeal to some viewers who only want to watch a love story.

BL Metamorphosis has a faintly happy ending with a tinge of sadness. I speculated that Yuki's health troubles might steer the plot to a dark place, but the film never goes there. Instead, it reiterates that change inevitably occurs as we grow older. Our lives can't stay the same forever. With Yuki's influence, Urara becomes a self-assured woman. I'm satisfied knowing her personal journey feels complete. Overall, BL Metamorphosis is an uplifting movie that fills me with positive vibes. It tells a different story from the norm, making me cherish BL from a new perspective.