PARADISE KISS

DESCRIPTION

CAST

MANGA DramaParadise Kiss
ANIME ComedyGokinjo Monogatari

REVIEWS

• 

  Aidashpy

  65/100
  Navigating the Adult World: A Grounded and Mature Coming-of-Age Story That Desperately Needed a Few More Episodes

  EDIT: Now that I have read the manga, the anime completely botched the ending. The source is fantastic and fully realized unlike the anime's unfortunate and somewhat contradictory ending.

  Paradise Kiss is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of Yukari, a young woman who has never found her passion in life. But after being thrown into the world of fashion modeling, she finally discovers something she loves. However, this is not just a feel-good story of escapism. The show delves into the harsh realities of pursuing one's dreams, depicting the constant obstacles and struggles that come with it.

  The relationships between characters, whether they be familial, friendly, or romantic, are portrayed as complex and challenging. The show does not shy away from depicting the toxic and imperfect nature of these relationships. A prime example is the relationship between Yukari and George, which is filled with uncertainty and often feels one-sided. George treats Yukari more like a sexual object than a person, while Yukari herself is still trying to understand and navigate this new adult world she has found herself in. These relationships can be seen as a representation of the difficulties and complexities that come with growing up and finding oneself in the world.

  Paradise Kiss also highlights the idea that even when working towards our dreams, there will always be rough spots and difficult decisions to make. This theme is echoed in the relationships between the other characters as well, with familial and romantic ties being portrayed as complicated and messy. This story does not sugarcoat the harsh realities of life and the struggles that come with it. However, despite these obstacles, Paradise Kiss manages to capture the beauty of pursuing one's passion and the sense of fulfillment that comes with it. It is a reminder that the journey towards our dreams is never easy, but it is worth it in the end. The first 11 episodes do a fantastic job of capturing this theme and capturing the audience's attention.

  Unfortunately, the final episode, which had the task of adapting the final and longest volume of the manga, falls short. Instead of giving proper development and resolution to the relationships, it relies on melodrama as a cheap substitute. This leaves the story with an unsatisfying and unfulfilling ending despite the promise of the first 11 episodes. One of the biggest disappointments was the conclusion of Yukari's character. A story all about learning to live by herself and developing her own agency ends with her missing George 10 years after the conclusion of their relationship - a pretty strong contradiction to these themes. It's a shame that the story didn't receive the justice it deserved with just a few more episodes to satisfyingly conclude all of the plot points.

  Another important aspect of Paradise Kiss is the representation of Isabella, a trans woman. While she is mostly a background character throughout the series, Yazawa Ai handles her story in a sensitive and respectful way. The reveal of her identity as a trans woman comes in the 10th episode, and it is done in a way that is both heartfelt and nuanced. It is unfortunate that Isabella does not have a more prominent role throughout the series, but the moments that do focus on her are well done and a highlight of this show. However, the final episode does not do her justice, as it ends with a cliche unrequited love story between her and George. This is a common trope for LGBT+ characters in media and it is a shame that the series ends on this note.

  It's worth noting that the manga source material may have handled Isabella's story differently (I am fairly certain it does), and I plan on reading the manga to see how it compares.

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• 

  asphodelic

  90/100
  A Beautiful Metamorphosis

  [There is no such thing as an objective review. Interpretations and opinions of all forms of art and expression are subjective.]

  Sometimes people need a change. A small, simple, physical change. One of the quickest and easiest things to do is alter one’s hair—a bold new color or a fresh new cut is a stark visual reminder that something is different now, and that was proof of your resolve. When Yukari, a dedicated and uptight high school student gets roped into a modeling gig for a group of fashion students, the first thing they do is cut her hair.

  The oft neglected predecessor of Nana, Paradise Kiss also tells a story of a group of young artists. The title itself is the namesake of the amateur fashion atelier consisting of four eccentric college students. To Yukari, who has only ever known school and parental abuse, these colorful fashionistas are nothing short of alien—creatures from another world that Yukari would never dare to think of associating with. But when she allows them to trim her fringe, a fear for change quickly turns into a thirst.

  When Yukari’s classmates notice her new hairstyle, it’s the first time she’s complimented simply for existing, rather than needing to prove herself. Unlike her younger brother, Yukari is not a naturally gifted student. Praise is a foreign tongue, and going years without it can cause insecurities and desperation. Life can be hard and unkind to young people, and often it originates from those closest to us. Parents can be mouthpieces for the expectations and demands of society. We can choose to conform, crumble beneath it, or escape it. Yukari chooses the latter, running away from school, home, and her mother’s ire.

  Many question her choices, including the well-meaning members of Paradise Kiss. The only one who does not try to sway her is its leader, George. Confident, stylish, and gifted with an innate understanding of design, George is fully aware of just how young and impressionable Yukari is. He chooses to help her grow by holding his tongue, allowing Yukari to take the lead in her own life for the first time.

  Making your own decisions and dealing with their consequences can be scary. But Yukari faces it eagerly—anything is better than feeling trapped. While she takes refuge in her new friends’ homes, she begins to find work as a model. Eagerly shedding her dull school uniform, Yukari finds joy and confidence in vibrant clothes. A new passion is born, and she finally has goals and dreams that are hers. The Paradise Kiss members love and encourage her evolution both as a person, and in her personal style. They all have their own distinct styles, and fashion has a different meaning for each of them. But it’s Isabella whose relationship with clothes is most similar to Yukari’s. A sophisticated and feminine trans woman, Isabella grew up in plain button up shirts and trousers. It wasn’t until George handmade a dress for her that she realized the real power that clothes can have on a person, and it was the spark of change she needed.

  Some people don’t truly find their passions, individuality, and sense of self until adulthood. A uniform is the antithesis to self expression, and people are not meant to wear them forever. People are meant to change, and Paradise Kiss reminds us that great metamorphoses can start from something small.

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