I don't read/watch BL but I am very open to works in other mediums handling LBGT issues, especially as they tackle social issues in increasingly creative approaches. Whether Umibe intended to go down the more modern and grounded take of gay romance or to make a BL that was more palatable than the modern problematic BL... I couldn't really tell.
It gives off the cute, wholesome vibes of say, Josee or Ride Your Wave, but for a short run time (one hour), it somehow decides to tackle abrupt time skips, flashbacks, and a relatively explicit sex scene. This wouldn't be terrible if done artistically, but the direction is horrid - none of these scenes appear with warning and this movie simply does not have transitions. Shots are quick, don't match movements, and you may find yourself in a different spatial or temporal setting within seconds with no idea of how the characters got there - either physically or emotionally.
Talking about emotion, there's very little characterization of the characters beyond a few boohoo points, and there is little chemistry between the leads. Hell, the female childhood friend fiancee who asks for a kiss probably had more chemistry with the lead.
The art is nice, and the animation isn't bad. But ultimately, I would prefer Doukyuusei with its slightly problematic writing but significantly better direction and art, than this movie: yeah the plot is progressive and non-problematic, but who cares???
