Is Chastity High the Surprise of the Year? A Review

Source : Netflix

In the world of Japanese television, there's nothing quite like stumbling upon a show that unexpectedly captures your heart and imagination. Sometimes, it's the under-the-radar series that leave the deepest impact, like "Let's get divorced" or this year's buzzworthy hit, Chastity High(Love: Battle Royale/恋愛 バトルロワイヤル). As someone who hadn't planned on diving into a new J-drama binge, this series took me by surprise and kept me hooked from the very start.

Chastity High unfolds in a setting that feels straight out of a teen drama, following a group of students navigating the stringent rules of a prestigious conservative high school where chastity is not just encouraged but strictly enforced. Picture this: no kissing, no relationships, and definitely no hint of intimacy. Sounds intense, right? Well, it gets even juicier from here.

The Student Council at Chastity High goes to great lengths to maintain order, introducing patrols dubbed "Rabbit Hunting" to ensure that the students comply with the chastity rule even beyond school premises. One standout member of this quirky squad is Ichica Arisawa - our lovable protagonist portrayed by Ai Mikami. What sets Ichica apart is her humble background compared to her affluent peers, is caught in a web of financial struggles as she supports her mother through tough times.

Enter "Love Keeper" - Ichica's clandestine alter ego in the digital realm. What starts as a means to make some extra cash by blackmailing fellow students soon evolves into a journey of redemption and secret-keeping. Cue Ryougo Maki, a wealthy classmate yearning to break free from his father's control, bringing his own aspirations and conflicts to the mix. The dynamic duo of Ichica and Ryougo forms the heart of Chastity High, driving the narrative forward with their unexpected alliance.

As the story unfolds, Chastity High delves into the intricacies of teenage life, exploring themes of rebellion, friendship, and the repercussions of defying societal norms. Much like "Sex Education" and other popular teen series, this Japanese gem offers another perspective on adolescence, capturing the essence of youthful spirit amidst a backdrop of secrecy and betrayal. With each episode, Chastity High unravels a new layer of drama, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of characters torn between tradition and personal desires.

Chastity High, produced by the renowned Robot Communications Inc (responsible for Alice in Borderland, Yu-Yu Hakusho live-action adaptation, and Godzilla Minus-One), boasts impressive production quality, setting it apart from many recent J-dramas that have been landing on Netflix. While the show draws inspiration from Western teen dramas, it offers a unique blend of J-pop anthems. The chemistry between Ichica and Ryougo, particularly Ai Mikami's stellar performance, is a highlight. However, the predictable storyline and lack of originality may leave viewers wanting more. You can probably predict some of the main storylines and where they end just from reading my short synopsis of the show. No one is expecting incredible plot twists and turns, but the show does very little to change the teen drama formula and instead delivers an acceptable Japanese version of existing great shows. The ending was probably one of the most predictable I've seen in a while.

Despite these shortcomings, Chastity High's strong cast, enjoyable soundtrack, and visually appealing aesthetic make it a worthwhile watch, especially if you're looking for immersion content.