Asian BL - BL/Gay Dramas and movies 1980's to 2021

Special for the sequel season of drama "SOTUS".

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Umm... the MDL rating...
What...?

I haven't got the slightest clue how people can rate this so high, because this isn't good. It's acceptable, but far from the quality it may seem to have if one trusts the rating. 

It's completely unoriginal--which in itself would be fine, if it was made really well. But it isn't...
It's flat, completely lacks any depth and is just a run-of-the-mill short that one will forget as soon as it ends. It lacks artistic quality and doesn't make use of it's time--which are crucial keys to making a good short film. In 20 minutes--it tells less, and with less emotion, than the super-short "Summerdaze" (also a Korean one) tells in just 2-3 minutes. That says a lot.

It's not BAD. I'm just completely baffled over the 8,1 (as of right now) MDL rating.
Like... seriously...?

Special episodes for drama "2gether".

Hmm. I think I actually like these better than the original drama. EVEN though they're even cheesier. Probably because the direction is better and the balance between the couples is more fluid and not so whiplash-inducing. And I'm fond of "everyday life" in BLs.

It still bothers me that it's this innocent--I don't quite see the point of that, considering that even the tamest Thai BLs take stuff further than this. Not that it necessarily needs to be tons of graphic stuff, but somehow it feels a bit odd that it's pretty abundant in hints and innuendoes--while the kissing and stuff keeps to this level. Well, whatever. That one kiss with the Pocky-looking candy--was sooo aesthetically pleasing ;P 

And... the main guys are still cute together. And still gorgeous. (So gorgeous it's distracting, actually. Not my personal type of guys, but these boys are BEAUTIFUL to look at.) 

And... I still love Toptap. I want him for a kid brother.

And... I will probably never get enough of Drake and Frank. (First pairing up; 'Cause You're My Boy", from 2018). They have among the best chemistry among all Thai BL couples, ever. Just devastatingly adorable together. 

And... Gunsmile still bugs me. Albeit not as much this time around. 

But yeah. It's cheesy. Too cheesy for my taste. And not even close to the quality I prefer to my BL. 

But I still enjoy it.

Huge plus for an awesome intro! (As in visuals. The super-catchy song is old news by now.)

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Old school generic Japanese BL.

This is so beautiful--visually as well as emotionally. Just a little glimpse, like a poem or a memory, yet it tells a big story considering the runtime of just a few minutes. You understand, even with this tiny little peek. 

The cutting was a bit too rushed, I would personally have chosen to have fewer scenes but a few seconds longer--if they had to keep it under those few minutes.
But very beautiful. I would have loved to see a longer version.

Probably not BL, per se--but with the central theme being gay related.

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Old School generic Japanese BL

Old school--from when Japan was the only place to go for BL and most of you were in diapers ;P ... By today's standards; the series of movies is quite crappy.

Old School Japan

Old school Japan

Old School Japan

Old school Japan

Short-film, part of the "Gay Out Soon" series of compilations.

Not BL in itself. Contains gay characters? I don't know, since I haven't read the manga upon which it's based. But I might watch this... for one reason. I used to work as a redrawer for the scanlation of the manga... (Which I probably shouldn't mention, but whatever.)

Spin-off thingy drama series for the music club from the "Love Sick" series.

This... is probably the most solid one you can find in the assortment of romcom-melodrama BL. 

It's more or less perfect, in every aspect. Even if there are a couple of heavy plot components, this is the very definition of BL. It's not meant to be a deep and profound story--it's a blueprint BL romance.
A classic trope; enemies-turned-lovers, but never before done so well.

It's a wet dream for any fangirl--it just has it all.

The love is crazy romantic and super sweet, the fighting is entertaining--especially the character of Type, if one, like me, has a weakness for cranky tsunderes with a bad temper... The chemistry between Mew and Gulf is absolutely insane--so good that it makes ME, who never, ever indulges in out-of-screen fanservice (I hate it), browse clips and videos...
Super hot scenes (even though they're not graphic--except one, but not exactly visually so) and a shitton of great kissing, including some that belong in the hall of fame for "most memorable BL kisses"...

The acting is, for the most part, very good. Gulf impresses as a total newbie--not just showing good acting skills, but also in doing a demanding BL role this convincingly. Most BL freshies are visibly awkward at least to some extent. Gulf never is, even in scenes where he needs to go quite far. Mew is a good actor, but not superb. But his tendency to go over the top, is excused because his acting is truly honest. The character, rather than Mew himself, comes off as melodramatic. But his strength, is of course as a BL actor. He's pretty much royalty. With good reason. I'm pretty sure he could turn straight guys gay...

The OST and score, the production and directing--is great. I can't say that I love the side story of Tum and Tar, but it's woven in tightly enough to not bother me in any way. Nothing glitches, everything is put together without any cracks or lacks. 

Basically; it's the ultimate BL. Period.

Well... 

I wasn't really expecting much from this second season. Their story was "complete" in season one, IMO. It wouldn't have needed more. But since the couple is insanely popular and there IS a second novel--why not. Even if I didn't "need" a S2--I'm still deliriously happy that I get to see more of them. And that--we get. 

It's pretty much like the second season of "SOTUS". Not all that much to say, not all that much to elaborate, not all that much to develop nor explore. The journey was completed in the first season since the premise was that two opposites needed to meet in the middle. This just is that kind of story--the kind that works the best with the climax that was already achieved in season one. But this couple just is one of those that one can't quite get enough of. So it doesn't matter to me that the storyline of this sequel season is (so far) "boring" and more or less non-existent. Just to see them is enough :) 

So yes--I love it. Because it's Tharn and Type. (AND because it's Mew and Gulf.) But there is absolutely no way that I will rate it as high as S1. Because S1 was a bull's-eye. A idiotic, compelling and funny story--that was tight, complete and lacked nothing. The ultimate romcom BL.
S2 is just... milking it. 

But I'm totally fine with that. <3

A short episode that gives us a peek into the mind of Lhong, showing us the reasons why he is like he is and does what he does. It's not long enough to be WOW, but it's well planned and directed, and gives a broader picture and understanding. 

Bought it. Watched it, like, five times in a couple of days. Loved it. The story is really thin, but so what--it's fanservice and every extra minute one can get with the guys, is pure gold.

Some awesomely delicious scenes are catered--both romantic ones that make you squeal and wraps your heart in pink fluff--and a bedroom scene that makes you hold your breath and go quiet.
(The director is a genius when it comes to these scenes, and pair that up with awesomely convincing actors... You'll see much more graphic stuff in other dramas and movies, yet ver few of them reaches even a fraction of the hotness-level that this series delivers... Less is more, when done properly.)

One thing I was thinking about; 

Is it just me or is that scene with Tharn convincing Type to wear the cat ears and meow like a cat, purposely put in there as a fanservice-within-fanservice meta joke?!
(I haven't read the novel so I can't say if that scene was in there, but this just can't be a coincidence, right?!)

Say "Meow" in Thai...
It sounds a lot like "Mew"... LOL

(In case you haven't watched the drama and have no clue what I'm talking about; not only are the fans hysterically shipping the characters--but also the actors. Who often, and happily, engage in the most abundant and elaborate fanservice ever. Gulf, and... MEW...)

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If to think rationally--this isn't really worse than most of the junk-BL Thailand has churned out through the years, in between the gems. But somehow... I just can't help but think that this is SO bad. A complete catastrophe. Not even Pak and Mild kan save this disaster.

I've seen a review state that it doesn't take itself seriously and is made with a wink to the tropes and BL fandom, but that doesn't really matter if the end result is ridiculously bad. 

The storyline is bad, the script weird, some actors are really bad, everything is just uhhhhh. 

Don't waste your time unless you're a big fan of Pak or Mild.

A full-version movie version of the episode with the same name, featured in the teen horror-drama series "ThirTEEN Terrors". 

This is... weird. Acting is good, especially Gun, who always does a good job. And the story is unique in it's sinister and dreamy feel. But it's so messy and strange that it just doesn't work. It's much better in the shorter version as an episode of the series.

Mini-mini-drama.

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Based on one of the best BL/gay-themed mangas ever written.
(Two volumes, by mangaka Mizushiro Setona--which recently were released in English by Seven Seas. And immediately landed in my book shelf. I had to wait 10 years for that...) 

I was equal parts thrilled--and nervous--before watching it. But I was pretty sure that even if it might turn out crappy, it's still an adaptation of a phenomenally good comic--so I would probably love it no matter what.

So... how'd it end up, then...?

I loved it. 

Not just because I'm happy every time I get live action adaptations of my favourites--but because it's GOOD. I have absolutely no idea why some people disliked it, and the ratings are fairly low. It caught the manga very well, and the direction and acting was pretty great.

I'll definitely update with an elaborated mini-review when I find the time...

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This is one of those that one isn't likely to rewatch unless in a mood for good acting. Because this is really uncomfortable, in a lot of ways. But do not miss it, in case you want to see something other than just cute fluff. Because this is the other side and it doesn't get much darker than this. 

The themes are disturbing and regarding some of them, one can draw parallells to the scarier sides of BL fandom. The darker side of Social Media and Fan worship of people or couples, hasn't been explored all that much in tv. Usually we only see the "happy" side of fandom, but it can be really nasty. Cyberbullying, spreading of rumours, harrassment of BFs/GFs--whether they are real or perceived. I have seen creepy examples through the years in the circles of BL fandom--IRL girlfriends of BL actors being stalked and harrassed on social media, to the degree of their BFs and people in the production team having to plead to fans to please stop their behaviour. When people become delusional, they seem to forget the lines between reality and fantasy. Here, it's the perceived romantic interest of an "university idol" who gets the flak when his fans don't like the thought of their "God" being "tainted". 

We see parental pressure slowly grinding down the confidence and psyche of an elite child. Possesiveness and jealousy leading to acts that destroy lives. Self-harm, suicide attempts, severe expressions of PTSD (extremely uncomfortable scenes). Broken people who break others in turn--and the stupid sheep who create the scene for where those things happen. 

There are lights in the dark, though. Beautiful friendship, great parenting and personal strenght. 

The ending is open--choose what you want to believe happened. 

Production isn't very high-end, but sufficient. Acting is REALLY good. Should not be missed. When you're in a mood that allows for pain.

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Don't know whether to include this, or not. Apparently all the BL has been cut out due to the Chinese media ban on LGBTQ content.

Upcoming 2020.

Not BL, but contains a (several?) gay character(s?) Still haven't watched it but supposedly, it's one of the best dramas of recent years, and has gotten universal praise.

THE classic. But honestly... it really isn't all that with a cherry on top.

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Short movie that focused too much on aesthetics and forgot to tell the story in a way that catches the audience. Rather beautiful, but too empty.

Supposedly has gay character(s).

Mini-drama.

Sequel to mini-drama "The Moment".

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Oh boy. 

I'm hesitating between 5,5 and 6. And to be honest--that score would be lower if it weren't for the decent production. 

I'm a die-hard fan of Yamashita Tomoko, the mangaka behind the original work. It's not one of her best, but I do love it and own every volume. So it hurts to be this ruthless :S

This was bad... A bad adaptation of the manga--but also a bad movie in itself. Probably even worse for someone who hasn't read the comic... 

Bad casting choices (actors are okay but their interpretations are way off from the original characters), stupid changes in story and script, a very important character is wiped out entirely, focus is almost exclusively on visuals (which are nice, including decent SFX) and the fluidity and continuum of the story is just ignored completely... It's one hot, choppy, jumbled mess... 

The writing is the biggest issue--the movie has no coherency, no depth or exploration of either story nor relationships--which makes both shallow, unconvincing and random. The characters in the manga are fairly well fleshed out but above all, their relationships are thoroughly cemented. Here they were, like... "Huh? How? When?" From "hello" to "destined" in zero time, without an explanation. The manga is a slow story, here it's crammed into an hour forty. Doesn't work out...

And it was a huuuuuge mistake to erase the comedy and try to make it "creepy". The result becomes ridiculous instead :S The original work is nutty, insane and over-the-top, but it's self-aware and has a lot of humour.

Oh, about the romance/bromance? Almost gone. Mainstreamed.
Sure, it's vague in the manga, but it is there--mostly through innuendoes and slight stuff that gives a very slow development from "inexplicable attraction" into bromance into romance. (I'd be very surprised if Yamashita Tomoko doesn't make the outcome romantic.)

This is pretty close to flawless, IMO.
I can't give more than a 9,  because I wanted a bittersweet conclusion rather on the bitter side than the sweeter. And for perfection, it would have needed just a tad bit more time in order to fully flesh out this hypnotic little tale. But for the short runtime and episode count--this is nothing short of remarkable. I guess a 9 is fair, but at the same time, I'm itching to praise it even more than by rewarding it with "just" a 9.

A true piece of art in both visuals, acting, directing and overall production. The story is so hypnotic that I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen. Told in a clever and impactful way, it blurs the lines between reality, fiction and fantasies.
A drama I will rewatch many times--for the experience, rather than reasons like loving the couple or story or whatever.
I found myself breathing so quietly that it was inaudible, subconsciously trying to not disturb the atmosphere. Let's not even mention during the erotic scenes--your breath will hitch all together... Though, the whole thing is erotic from beginning to end, but during the actual action scenes, then. Graphic, but tasteful. 

It's not for everyone. Someone prude would probably die from a seizure. (I'm everything but prude--but that level of dirty talk made even me blush a couple of times...)
Someone too young is not mature enough to fully understand the complex feelings and urges handled. Someone who wants entertainment should look elsewhere. Because this is a qualitative cinematic experience, not something to watch in order to pass time

It's immensely fascinating, gorgeously executed, the acting is phenomenal. It's a gem.

Also watch "Mood Indigo" ("Indigo no Kibun"), a prequel (but released after this) probing into the past of the characters.

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Compilation of different LGBTQ stories, of which at least one has a BL storyline and/or gay character(s).

This is lovely. With a runtime of only 15 minutes--it feels like a full movie. There would have been enough to make one. And it would have ended up MUCH better than the majority of BL flicks churned out by Thailand through the years. A sweet, pretty deep yet easy-going coming-of-age story and a couple I really wish we could have seen more of.
Production is pretty standard for a short, but well planned since the story is well fleshed out for its short runtime.  The lovely little Boy Sompob song "Jigsaw Heart" fits the feel and story perfectly. 

This is feelgood.

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Short of the long kind. (54 minutes runtime.)

Not BL, per se, and seems to revolve around BL fandom and includes female-male body-swap, but also has "gay character/relationship" listed, so probably a bit of both.
Either way, the themes qualify it for the list... (And it has Ohm. That in itself, is enough.)

Upcoming May 22nd 2020.