Nevertheless - Die Formen der Liebe

How do you break free from a past that holds you captive? This is the profound question explored in "The Shapes of Love", an 8-episode series available on Netflix, which masterfully intertwines art, love, and healing.

The story follows Miu, a young woman struggling to find her footing after a painful breakup. Guided by a mysterious and rebellious professor, Miu learns that sometimes, destroying the symbols of the past is the first step toward freedom. In a pivotal moment, the professor destroys a sculpture as an act of defiance, teaching Miu an essential lesson: time is not real unless we remain trapped in suffocating moments that weigh down our souls.

This theme resonates deeply with the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté, author of "When the Body Says No." He explains how unresolved trauma and guilt can keep us stuck, affecting both our health and our ability to live fully in the present. The series illustrates this beautifully, showing that healing begins when we release the past and embrace the present.

Moreover, the professor's philosophy that "we are not defined by what we do" mirrors the insights of Marshall Rosenberg, author of "Nonviolent Communication." Rosenberg teaches that people should not be labeled by their actions - a "guitarist" is not solely a person who plays guitar, and a "drunk" is not just someone who drinks. The series reflects this wisdom, emphasizing that breaking free from labels allows us to discover our true essence.

A poetic metaphor woven throughout the series is that love is like a butterfly. The more desperately you chase it, the more it eludes you. But when you find stillness and embrace vulnerability, it comes to you effortlessly. In this story, the professor becomes Miu's butterfly, as she becomes his, in a delicate dance of mutual liberation and present-moment connection.

Yet, "The Shapes of Love" is not just a love story. It is an invitation to introspection, urging you to ask yourself: What holds me captive in the past? What can I destroy to set myself free? How can I live more authentically?

Take It Further: Books That Deepen the Message

If the themes of "The Shapes of Love" resonate with you, consider exploring:

"When the Body Says No" by Dr. Gabor Maté, which delves into how trauma and suppressed emotions affect your health and life.

"Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg, a guide to connecting with yourself and others without being defined by labels or judgments.

Both books, like the series, can open your eyes to a freer, more authentic, and present-centered life.

If you're ready for this emotional and intellectual journey, start with "The Shapes of Love." Then, dive into the works of Gabor Maté and Marshall Rosenberg to learn how to transform pain into art and suffering into freedom.

Watch the series, explore these books, and reflect: What keeps you trapped, and what could you destroy to let yourself blossom?

There are only 8 episodes. Every episode one of the main characters seem to get some "prime time".

It could have been a heartbreaking series. It could have been touching... but no, they failed gigantically. I felt nothing.

The series totally lacks romance, chemistry and (deep) conversations. It's every episode again "I shouldn't like him or her, but nevertheless...".

It's just boring. I wasn't that over-the-top positive about the Korean version, but this one is a million times worse. Not worth a minute of your time. And no I wasn't even fond of the looks of the male lead, but then again 'des goûts et des couleurs, on ne discute pas'.

The only positive about the series was the ending and I mean it in a non-sarcastic way, I liked how the series ended. At least something positive in a rather depressing series.

I was captivated by it. The visuals were stunning, and the storytelling was rich and immersive; it truly felt as if a beautiful poem had been brought to life on the screen. Each actor infused their performance with genuine emotion, making every scene resonate deeply. I am grateful for the remarkable experience you've created! As a point of comparison, I watched a few minutes of the Korean version, and I mean, no offence, but it struck me as rather farcical compared to the depth and artistry of this rendition. If there is any second season I would love to wait to watch it. 10 out of 10. Brilliant job all the actors and crew 👏👏👏.

I was looking over shows, and this had come up. I'm familiar with the Korean version and wanted to try it. It was very cinematic from beginning to end.

I Honestly felt a bigger impact compared to the Korean show. The drama is not really there which I like, no big misunderstanding and a great storyline.

The photographs conveyed tension and chemistry, and the overall story was beautiful. I didn't feel frustrated with the characters, and the actors were very charismatic.

The actors were very photogenic and I could actually feel their emotions, I ended up crying at this masterpiece of a show. This version of Nevertheless is honestly more realistic. And it will leave you with a sense of awe, It is very poetic, and I recommend it!

I was browsing on Netflix and wanted to watch something Japanese when I found it, I started watching it without watching the trailer, and the first scene immediately draw me in. Loved the cinematography, judging by a few snippets I've seen from the Korean version, this one seems visually much more striking. The music, the photographs, the editing. I love it!

It was only the butterflies - they looked very fake, and 1 storyline(Chiaki, a bit too soapy and 1 scene didn't make sense at all) that made me only give it 8 stars.

I kept thinking "I'd love to see this scene as a photograph"

In its own genre this is excellent. I will definitely rewatch it to practice Japanese.