The recent live-action adaptation of “Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru (My Dress-Up Darling)” has unleashed a wave of criticism in Japan, leading to the term “AV no Hou” (JAV Version) becoming a trend on Twitter in Japan. Many fans have compared the series, which just aired its second episode, to adult video parodies based on the franchise, stating that the latter are of superior quality. Criticism focuses mainly on the performance of Riko Nagase as Marin Kitagawa, who has failed to convince viewers, in addition to the fact that the series does not seem to respect the sequence of events of the source material.
The popularity of “Sono Bisque Doll” comes not only from its charming story, which combines a passion for cosplay with a youthful romance, but also from its anime adaptation, which was very well received. However, despite its success, fans are still eagerly awaiting a second season, making expectations for any new adaptation even higher.
Criticism of the drama has multiplied, with Twitter users commenting on various aspects that they consider deficient. A viral comment highlighted that the JAV parody “isn't bad at all,” which led many to begin comparing both versions. Some pointed out that small details, such as the use of a modern sewing machine instead of an older one, are mistakes that contribute to the series' lack of authenticity.
Opinions on social networks reflect widespread discontent. Comments like “Another sign that 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should'” and “JAV is better” reflect the frustration of the fans. Riko Nagase's appearance has been the subject of ridicule, with comments such as “She looks like an old woman trying too hard.” and “With a body like that, it's impossible for me to play a high school girl.”.
Furthermore, live-actions, in general, are frequently criticized in Japan. These adaptations often face the difficult task of translating the essence of manga or anime into a format that often seems not to capture the magic of the original. Pressure from fans and the need to meet high expectations means that many of these projects end up disappointing. The comment “A TV drama that is completely surpassed by a JAV” highlights this phenomenon, where even parody versions manage to resonate better than official productions.
Comparisons between live-action adaptations and their adult video counterparts are not new, but in this case, they have highlighted dissatisfaction with the quality of the production. As fans continue to voice their criticism, the question remains: why are stories that are already beloved in their original form made live-action? The parody in question is from the Deep studio, specifically the DVRT-006 production, released on October 4, 2022.
Fountain: Unseen Japan
