Also Known As: 海辺のエトランゼ, Umibe no Étranger, The Stranger by the Shore
Synopsis: Mio is a high school student who likes to hang out alone on the shore. Shun, a restaurant crew, can't help but notice Mio's appeal. One day, Shun was able to confess to Mio, but the latter needed to leave for the mainland. Three years passed, and Mio returned to Okinawa, this time to confess to Shun.
Genre / Themes: Romance, Drama
Country: Japan
Released Date: September 11, 2020
Note: This review contains some spoilers.
Review Start!
STORY
The main issue this movie wanted to tackle was about being an openly gay person and dealing with everything that comes with it. Shun was disowned by his family for being honest with himself. And also became the topic of his classmates.
Let me just first applaud this anime because they showcased characters who were open to who they really were (including Eri and Suzu).
I know a lot of other Boys' Love anime that cannot even use the term 'gay.' They chose to mask it by saying their characters were into girls, and don't consider themselves gay just because they fall in love with a man, etc. Like seriously, who were they kidding?
How can a character be with a same-sex and cannot accept he's not straight? I mean, sure, labels are not that important when you fall in love -- But! At least acknowledge your true identity, that's a big deal to the viewers. Maybe not to everyone, but it is to those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community -- it will make them feel they were properly represented.
Now going back to the case of Shun, I liked how they concluded Shun's issue with his parents. In the end, he chose to be with them again, but this time, with the love of his life, Mio.
CAST
Shun Hashimoto
His character is very relatable, especially to those who left their family because they weren't accepted. Personality-wise, he has some issues. He can't accept at first the love of Mio, he thought Mio was better off with a girl, which showed he had some inferiority complex.
Mio Chibana
The light in Shun's darkness. He's the one who gave Shun the love he deserves and the courage to face his parents again.
Eri
The girlfriend of Suzu. She's basically the best supporting character, as it was her who thought of asking Mio to have dinner with them so Shun can have more time with him.
Sakurako
The typical female character from the main character's past (lol). The good thing was, she's not the antagonist type, although she tried. But, Mio, was understanding of her situation.
WRITING
So here's the thing... We have Mio, an orphan who returned to someone he likes, and Shun, a novelist who was clueless about the comeback. A few minutes after their reunion, Mio told Shu he loves him, and so, he should love him back. Now, frankly speaking, that was an awkward scenario for me. I mean, even though they seemed to hit it off in the past, three years was still a long time, and what if Shun's feelings weren't the same as they used to, right?
The same goes with Sakurako asking Shun to kiss her. That's not really a nice idea, especially when the lover of the person you're asking to have a kiss with was present at that moment.
Mio was probably saying this at the back of his mind: "The nerve of this girl to order my partner to kiss her! NOPE! Not in front of meeee!," then goes to kiss her instead (lol).
So yeah, those two scenes were shocking, yet don't feel fine with me.
On the other hand, some confrontation scenes were really written well. An example was the scene between Sakurako and Mio when they were on the beach. The best line was Sakurako saying... "Why aren't you... a more awful person."
And lastly this scene from Mio's past... I think the writers didn't fully utilize this character:
I have a feeling we will be able to see how he shared his wisdom with Mio if only they had a lengthy conversation. But, nothing, after handing out his card, we didn't get any more from him.
TECHNICALITIES
This anime has an art quite similar to Studio Ghibli. With that, I can say amongst all the Boys' Love anime, so far, this had the best art.
These are some of the beautiful artworks in The Stranger by the Beach:
On the downside, there was no remarkable music, not even the theme song. So yea, that was a letdown.
WATCH OR SKIP?
VERDICT: To be honest, this was just an average movie. For me, it didn't have the proper build-up of events, so it wasn't that impactful. It was quite disappointing because this was the BL anime that had the best art in my opinion.
So to answer the question... I'll compare it to Given the Movie which also runs for almost an hour. Between the two, Given was more worth watching. But, if you have time, then go ahead and watch this as well. There were plenty of surprises in this film, but for me, it just doesn't have replay value.
Notable Quotes
Mio: I don't want your pity when you don't even understand.
Shun: No! Ah, well, I was just interested in you and wanted to try talking to you. It's just my ulterior motives.
Mio: What's with that? What a dumb excuse. It's like you're hitting on me. But... I'm glad...
Mio: I like you, Shun. So, Shun, fall in love with me too!
Eri: You'll never find another guy as good as him again.
Mio: Today, let's have sex-
Shun: No.
Sakurako: You're Shun's friend?
Mio: Ah, yeah...
Shun: That's not it. I've told you earlier, he's my lover.
Sakurako: If you don't tell them, nothing will happen. You're so spineless.
Shun: You wouldn't... understand.
Shun: If you're here... Why do I have to go back?
Mio: Me?
Shun: Yeah!
Mio: Aren't you just using me as an excuse?
Shun: That's not-!
Mio: Shun! Once he's dead, you'll never be able to see him again. I'm fine, so go back and see him.
Mio: Someday, if Shun falls in love with someone else... If the one next to him isn't me, I'm still fine with it. Because the one to decide is Shun.
Sakurako: You are able to say that because he needs you!
Mio: I'm sorry.
Sakurako: Why are you apologizing? What do you understand?
Mio: I understand! That's because Shun is just as important to me as he is to you! That's why... I'm sorry...
Sakurako: Why aren't you... a more awful person.
Mio: It's not weird falling in love with a guy.
Favorite Shots
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