My Little Lover

My Little Lover - Minami Kun No Koibito is a captivating and heartwarming Japanese drama that aired from 2015 to 2016. The series, which comprises of 10 episodes, showcases an entertaining mixture of fantasy, romantic comedy, and high school drama that will leave you engrossed.

The story revolves around two young characters; Chiyomi Horikiri and Shunichi Minami. Chiyomi, an ambitious and enthusiastic high school student, has aspirations of becoming a novelist. Shunichi, on the other hand, is considered a high school heartthrob; admired for his charisma and good looks, but also recognized for his intelligence and his calm, confident demeanor.

What's intriguing between these two is their past. Having been close during their childhood, their friendship takes a drastic turn as they drift apart due to different interests and social circles at school. The divergence in their paths is reflective of their contrasting personalities; Chiyomi's bubbliness contrasts Shunichi's reserved nature, and her clumsy nature contrasts his efficient lifestyle.

However, despite the chasm between them, Chiyomi still harbours feelings for Shunichi, maintaining a glimmer of hope for their strained relationship. This unassuming scenario takes an unexpected, fantastical spin, when, following a sudden incident, Chiyomi miraculously shrinks to the size of a doll. This event brings about a magical but captivating shift in the storyline.

The drama takes on an even more charming turn when Shunichi stumbles upon the tiny Chiyomi, and reluctantly finds himself responsible for ensuring her safety. The situation provides a place for nurturing the bond they once shared, and provides an opportunity for them to reconnect. The novel premise introduces a series of complexities in their lives that foster intriguing storylines.

The depiction of a miniaturized Chiyomi navigating her way through the vast, terrifying world offers a fresh perspective of everyday life. The struggles she faces in her miniature size, along with her determination to revert back to her normal state, adds a certain relatability to the narrative, despite its fantastical elements.

On the other end, Shunichi's character goes through a significant transformation as he's forced to understand and acknowledge Chiyomi’s unspoken emotions and deep-seated feelings, which he'd previously neglected. His methodology in handling the unprecedented situation and his effort to conceal Chiyomi’s drastic change from the rest of the world adds an interesting dynamic to his character.

The unconventional relationship between a regular-sized human and a palm-sized individual unfolds in a beautifully unexpected way throughout the series. The slow burn romance, paired with the delectable tension between the protagonists, forms the crux of the show.

Another compelling aspect of "My Little Lover" is its underlying, profound exploration of relationships, personal growth, and the trials and tribulations teenagers undergo while discovering their capabilities. As the stories progress, the audience gets to witness the protagonists develop both individually and together, creating human experiences that are touchingly real and moving.

My Little Lover successfully amalgamates quirky tale elements with an underlying message of the importance of understanding, empathy, and self-growth. Despite the series wielding a fantasy element, the issues it highlights and the experiences it encapsulates are very much rooted in the reality of human life, making it a must-watch for every drama-lover.