I can't start this review without an introduction because one of the easiest ways to describe this manga is by asking: Have you ever watched the 1957 musical film "Funny Face" and the 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada"? Yes? Good. Now, try to imagine the plot of the former without all the songs & dance and mix it with the plot of the later. Then, you will be prepared to read Paradise Kiss.

If I idolized it by the first time I've read it? Yeah, sure. If I would idolize it if I've had read it today? I don't know.

The first time I've read it was when it was licencised in my country, back in c.2007. I managed to re-read it completely once, a long time ago, but I still remember vividly most of its story. I also watched the live action when it was released.

Why I was so fascinated by this manga when I've had read it by the first time...? It was because I was in that phase when we like everything we read and watch? It was because it is about fashion (something I always loved) and was created by someone who understands this subject? Because Yazawa had a beautiful character design and knew how to tell a story with characters and stories that you could meet anywhere in real life? Because it is realist without being grotesque?

I made the last question be the last one on purpose, because this is what makes me keep on respecting this manga, no matter how frustrating it can get at times. This should even be the theme of this story, "frustration". Not something traumatizing and distressing, just... Frustrating.

Sure, the official theme is how you should face your and other people's taboos and live your life how you want to, even if it means having a career that most people considers to be eccentric or somehow strange. But another strong theme, related to the first one, is how life can be frustrating because, for better or worse, it doesn't always ends up like you planned it to. Literally from the first to the last page this is shown by the author. This is why I don't like the live action - they changed what made this story good and believable, the only good thing about the film was the soundtrack.

But you know, saying a lot of times how this is a frustrating story doesn't mean this is a bad read. Of course it have its faults but at the end of the day this is a good story if you want something that can feel real without too much melodrama and strange situations.