Learning To Love

Love stories between teachers and students can be problematic. Thankfully, Learning To Love (Netflix) is different.

Yes, Ogawa Manami is a teacher and, yes, she offers to teach Takamori Taiga how to write Kanji. And, yes, there is a relatively significant age gap between them. However, there is no power imbalance and each helps the other to grow.

I adored Learning to Love. It is thoughtfully directed and beautifully performed – particularly by the leads, Kimura Fumino and Murakami Raul Maito.

I was impressed by how the show explores many important issues – including neurodiversity, fractured connections, transactional relationships, prejudice and social barriers.

The show also examines the vulnerability of both women and men in a world where societal expectations outweigh an individual’s happiness.

Learning To Love’s cast of characters have flaws and make mistakes. They are occasionally not so easy to like. Regardless, you understand what has led them to this behaviour and root for (most) of them to succeed.

I read that Learning to Love was originally conceived as a 12 episode drama and, for reasons, had to end at ep11. This shows as the conclusion, while satisfying, feels rushed. This in no way diminishes the lasting power of this drama, which will stay with me for a long time...