A Fairy Tale Murder Mystery That Casts a Magical Spell

"Once Upon a Crime" is a delightful comedy-mystery movie that keeps you entertained from start to finish with its quirky charm. This inventive twist on the classic Cinderella story elevates it from a simple fantasy tale to a captivating murder mystery.

The film's narrative revolves around the familiar Cinderella, a young girl mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. However, in this imaginative rendition, she encounters our protagonist, Little Red Riding Hood, who possesses a unique power of deduction. When Cinderella's carriage accidentally strikes the royal hairdresser, she, along with Red Riding Hood, conceals the body and continues on her way to the ball. At the royal event, where she catches the prince's eye, things take a dramatic turn when the dead body is discovered. This is where Red Riding Hood steps in as the detective to unravel the mystery behind the hairdresser's demise.

What truly sets this movie apart is its ingenious blend of a murder mystery with a beloved fairy tale. Amid the enchanting backdrop of Cinderella's story, we find another iconic fantasy character, Little Red Riding Hood, playing a Sherlock Holmes-like role. The seamless integration of the murder mystery into the well-known fairy tale is a commendable feat. It never detracts from the fantasy elements of Cinderella's world. The intricate plot surrounding the hairdresser's murder and the eventual revelation of the culprit are handled with finesse.

Hashimoto Kanna, portraying Little Red Riding Hood, steals the spotlight with her exceptional acting, while Araki Yuko, as Cinderella, breathes life into her character. Iwata Takanori, in the role of the Prince, delivers an outstanding performance, and Sato Jiro's presence never fails to entertain. I was surprised to see Inukai Atsuhiro as one of the guardsmen and was hoping he had more screentime.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Crime" masterfully blends humor and mystery within the enchanting realms of fantasy and magic. This film offers a unique cinematic experience, where the age-old fairy tale takes an unexpected and thrilling turn. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply love imaginative storytelling, this movie is sure to cast a magical spell on you.

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A Disappointing Sequel to an Anticipated Series

When Season 2 was released, my excitement knew no bounds. Unfortunately, that excitement slowly withered away as I watched each episode. This season failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, mishandling the elements that made Season 1 interesting. Stretched thin due to a lack of substantial material, the series showed no progression in the relationship between Minato and Shin. With just 8 episodes, a shift in the characters of the main leads could have vastly improved this.

Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off. Minato and Shin have been dating for six months, but Minato continues to push Shin away, refusing to let their relationship deepen, even averting his gaze whenever Shin is nearby. Meanwhile, Asuka and Shu's romance blossoms, with Shu becoming more comfortable with his feelings for Asuka.

In an ironic twist, the adult characters, Minato and Shu, act like children, while the teenagers, Shin and Asuka, display more maturity in helping their partners navigate their complicated relationships. Minato's inexplicable hesitations and irrational fear of confessing his true feelings to Shin remain a major plot point. Unlike Season 1, where Minato's rejection was somewhat understandable due to unresolved issues, his behavior becomes increasingly frustrating as those issues are seemingly fixed. Minato's reluctance to progress in the relationship is unexplained, leaving his character one-dimensional and annoying. If his hesitation were rooted in past failed relationships and the fear of losing Shin, it could have added depth to his character. Instead, Shin tirelessly pursues Minato, attempting to convince him to take their relationship to the next level, while Minato continues to create distance between them.

In conclusion, 'Minato Souji Coin Laundry 2' disappoints due to its underdeveloped, one-dimensional characters who behave like petulant children. The lack of character development and narrative progression undermines its potential as a romantic comedy. Although Takuya and Sho deliver commendable performances, the script does little justice to their talents.

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Promising Premise, Disappointing Execution

My excitement for this series was initially fueled by the announcement and the intriguing trailer. However, as I watched each episode, my enthusiasm waned. What began as a potentially engaging enemies-to-lovers story devolved into a messy and illogical narrative. The series suffered from unconvincing acting, a weak plot, and a lack of character growth.

The story follows Sailom, a diligent student at a prestigious school, burdened by debts that he and his brother Saifah struggle to repay. In the same school, we have Kang, a wealthy troublemaker who bullies others and takes nothing seriously. When Kang targets Sailom's friend, Sailom emerges as a formidable adversary, leading to a complex transformation of their relationship from anger and hatred to love.

The premise of the series holds promise, but the actual execution left much to be desired. Several character decisions throughout the story raise questions. Kang's sudden shift from rejecting Sailom's confession to feeling jealous and confessing his own feelings seemed abrupt, especially given his existing affections for someone else. Sailom's actions also felt inconsistent, from running away with Kang without considering his debts to prioritizing Kang over his own incarcerated brother.

The series failed to provide adequate character development, leaving gaps in the characters' motivations and behaviors. Sailom's declaration of love for Kang raises the question of whether he still loved Kang when his friend was mistreated and humiliated by him. These inconsistencies left a significant impact.

The secondary couple, Guy and Nawa, managed to add some stability to the series, but their relationship received insufficient development. The reasons behind their constant conflicts and when their romantic feelings began to develop remained unclear.

This series struggled to live up to its title, lacking both the "dangerous" and "romantic" elements promised. There was a noticeable absence of action scenes or a consistent sense of impending danger. The romantic chemistry also fell short of expectations, with Perth's portrayal of Kang clashing with Chimon's discomfort in romantic scenes.

In conclusion, this might be worth watching for the scenes involving Guy and Nawa, who share the best chemistry in the series. However, viewers should approach the series with lowered expectations to avoid disappointment.

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To find beauty in horror

When you watch this movie, the first thing that you will realise is that it has a completely different feel to it as compared to many other recent horror movies. Although most of the movie is shot in a single building, there isn’t a dearth of creative ways to use that to their advantage. Right from the get-go you feel a sense of foreboding and that continues till the end.

The movie is about four students in an isolated school that are part of a study group of Grand Guignol. This school of troubled youths get two new entries. Homura Itsuki a new student and a mysterious new teacher. As soon as Homura joins the school it starts a series of deaths by a strange figure that is targeting the school students and faculty. With no way out of the island and the only escape is via a boat the next day, the residents of the school are forced into a desperate struggle to survive the horrific night and capture the killer.

Considering it’s a slasher movie, the horror should stem from creative death scenes. However, the movie keeps you entertained with gallons of blood spraying out of victims during every kill and the final rolling of heads post decapitation. There is a lot of shaky cam to create an atmosphere of dread but in some scenes it feels overdone. There is a hint of mystery to find the real killer but it fails to capitalize on that story instead investing in making the audiences wonder whether all the kills are staged or is it real and the movie ends beautifully leaving you with your own interpretation and theories.

The movie has a line-up of some great actors and they do not disappoint. There are times when they ham it up and you cheer their performance. Although the movie is tagged as a BL, it certainly isn’t the main plot. It’s a mystery wherein the audiences get to decide what is true.

In conclusion, give this one a watch with an open mind. As its name suggests, the movie pays homage to the style of horror plays made popular in the Grand Guignol Theater which typically depicted gore and explored the human psyche when faced with insanity, panic or hypnosis.

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A little broken but who cares

Before I venture in to watching the series Dark Blue Kiss, I decided to get the backstory of our 2 main characters and that is what compelled me to watch this cut. It delivered what it promised and I got the basic understanding of how their relationship started. But looking at it objectively there are still a lot of questions unanswered but I am fine with it.

This cut of the series gives us a glimpse in to the story of Kao and Pete. They share a tumultuous relationship due to some misunderstanding or something…. I can’t tell you even if I tried as the series explains it just a few words. But what started as animosity slowly transforms in to love. We get scenes of Pete being jealous and Kao playing hard to get and you are rooting for both these characters. Pete is shown as flawed as he is quick to temper and doesn’t shy away from physical confrontations whereas the character of Kao is not well defined. All we get to know is that he is good natured, cares for his friends, and is good at photography and studies. While we understand Pete’s anger issues, Kao still remains a mystery to me.

But a series that in my opinion exists as a preamble to Dark Blue Kiss, I will not hold these flaws against it as I am hoping that all the questions around the animosity between Kao and Pete will be answered in the other series along with the character of Kao being more fleshed out.

In conclusion since this is a cut from the original series, there are some hard edits that suddenly pulls you out of the scenes and affects the pace, but all is forgiven thanks to the acting chops of our 2 main characters and this keeps me excited to watch the rest of their story.

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A Spellbinding Supernatural Thriller

Prepare to be enthralled by this series as it takes you on an exhilarating ride from lighthearted comedy to the realm of supernatural thriller. With each episode delivering an entertaining and captivating experience, this series has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of the year. However, what truly sets it apart and propels it into the realm of awesomeness is the dynamic interplay between its three main characters.

The story primarily revolves around Pu Yi Yong, a delinquent student who possesses an extraordinary talent for calligraphy that he fails to appreciate. At school, he is known for either underperforming in exams or tormenting our second main character, Cao Guang Yan, a studious individual with aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, everything changes for Pu Yi Yong when he meets with a tragic bus accident that claims his father's life and leaves his grandfather in a coma. Upon waking up after two years, he discovers an uncanny ability to attract the deceased and the intense emotions they leave behind, compelling him to help them with the power of his calligraphy. In his journey, he crosses paths with Chen Chu Ying, a policewoman, and together, the trio embarks on a mission to aid these otherworldly entities and unravel long-standing mysteries.

The series thrives on the captivating relationships between its characters. Pu Yi Yong, portrayed as both caring and occasionally foolish, often tests the patience of Cao Guang Yan and Chen Chu Ying, leading to moments of frustration and eventual understanding. Similarly, Pu Yi Yong's bond with his mother is portrayed as one of love and understanding, adding depth to his character. As the episodes progress, the connection between the three main characters, particularly Pu Yi Yong and Cao Guang Yan, evolves from animosity to mild annoyance, and ultimately blossoms into a genuine friendship, culminating in a strong bond by the series' finale.

Each episode delves into the complexities of human emotions, with supernatural entities serving as vessels for these profound feelings. From tales of love between parents and children to the intricate dynamics between identical siblings, the series explores a range of emotions, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease and deep reflection. The exceptional supporting cast deserves praise for their incredible performances, skillfully bringing these intricate emotions to life on screen and keeping audiences captivated throughout.

In conclusion, this is a spellbinding supernatural thriller infused with mystery and a touch of comedy, brought to life by a stellar ensemble of actors. The series boasts memorable plotlines and evokes a myriad of emotions that will resonate with viewers long after the final episode. Prepare to be engrossed in a world where the supernatural meets raw human emotions, offering a viewing experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

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A heartwarming reunion with the characters

In this delightful mini-episode, we are treated to a heartwarming continuation of the series, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Yutaka and the Ueda family. While the story may not be groundbreaking, the joy of reuniting with beloved characters for a single episode is reason enough to celebrate.

The plot centers around Yutaka and the Ueda family's getaway to a cozy cabin, commemorating Tane's birthday. However, what should be a joyous occasion becomes tinged with tension due to a string of misunderstandings. Minoru's discovery of a message on Yutaka's phone leads to confusion, and so does Yutaka’s misunderstanding about Minoru’s feelings, leaving both parties questioning the strength of their bond. Thankfully, through open and honest communication, they reconcile their differences, reminding us of the importance of trust and understanding in any relationship.

While the storyline may be simple, the episode shines in two significant ways. Firstly, we witness the deepening of Yutaka and Minoru's connection, as well as the growth of his relationship with the entire Ueda family. Minoru, inspired by Yutaka's presence, embarks on a personal journey, making pivotal life decisions. Secondly, we are reminded of the unwavering support and acceptance offered by Koji, who continues to be a pillar of strength for Minoru, while Tane remains the lovable, energetic child we adore.

In its brevity, the episode provides us with a delightful glimpse into the ongoing lives of these beloved characters and leaves us eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. The chemistry between the actors remains palpable, and Inukai Atsuhiro's portrayal of Yutaka continues to captivate, exuding innocence through those endearing glasses.

In conclusion, although the episode may be a short and simple, it successfully rekindles the emotional connection we have with these characters. It serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of love, growth, and the enduring bonds of family. So, join in the celebration and immerse yourself once again in this charming world.

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A great short series that delivers 100% emotions and entertainment

Short series are tricky because you have limited time to narrate a coherent story without leaving any loose ends and making the audience lose interest. And sometimes we have a series like Jack O’Frost that keeps the story simple with limited characters and hits all the important notes that makes a series great. In a 6-episode series of 30 min each it successfully shows all the emotions: love, betrayal, heartbreak, concern, romance, misunderstandings, joys and sorrows. All the ups and downs in the life of a couple.

The story revolves around our 2 main characters. Ritsu is a talented illustrator and Fumiya is a salesman who happen to meet at a coffee shop once and as fate would have it fall in love and move in together. But soon Fumiya realises that life is not all sunshine and rainbows and breaks-up with Ritsu. An angered Ritsu leaves the house and meets with an accident where he loses all memory of Fumiya. Fumiya trying to get back together with Ritsu, hides the fact that they were dating and helps him try to get his memory back.

The show deals with multiple issues but what I really enjoyed was the portrayal of the life of a couple. What starts as a beautiful journey together where they learn about each other and cherish every moment together slowly turns bitter as priorities change and life throws other important events at them. Ritsu immerses himself in to his work and Fumiya feels neglected. Fumiya too on the other hand hides his feelings of disappointment from Ritsu which builds up as time goes by and finally leads to a war of words and ultimately a break-up. Ritsu’s amnesia allows Fumiya to revisit their life together and the feelings he would lose by losing Ritsu.

This series is also about rediscovering that feeling of falling in love with a person for the first time. That was the journey for Fumiya while Ritsu was trying hard to get his memory back and developing feelings for Fumiya. The location also plays a key role in this series since Ritsu insists on revising the places to jog his memory and hence, the director takes us through some picturesque places viz; the coffee shop, the lake, the cabin and the beach.

The actors did a great job at showing the relationship between the two characters; sometimes broken and sometimes full of joy.

In conclusion, if you want to see an emotional BL that is all about the relationship between a couple, a story about romance and rediscovering that lost love give this one a try.

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Sweetness Overload

Only when I thought I was done with BL series on high school romance since the concept has been milked for all its worth, we get this gem of a show. The characters are nothing but cute and their interactions with each other are natural. The plot is nothing new but what steals the show are the feelings of the characters and the beautiful portrayal of different relationships between people.

We have friendship where everyone understands each other while each have their unique characteristic. They may be the best of friends but they bicker and fight constantly as well. We have love at first sight but its not attraction stemming from the beauty of the other person but genuine feelings growing out of sheer kindness. There are misunderstandings but are resolved through dialogue with unwavering trust in each other. There is jealousy which does not lead to irreconcilable fights. There is love where in you support your significant other every step of the way. We have the relationship between mother and son, where the mother plays the support system for the son and picking up the pieces when the son fails. A strong character who is understanding and motivating and also not sparing words when disciplining her son keeping him on track. Another mother and son relationship where there is respect but also a need to control to ensure her son’s successful future. There is also self-realization to allow her son the freedom to make his own choices just to see him happy.

This series is full of complex characters that thankfully aren’t two dimensional and all the actors have done justice to their roles. Fourth plays an eccentric leader of the music club that wants to win the recognition of his club members and the school. Bound by the conditions of the music club, he understands the pain of his lover but is consoling and affirmative about their relationship. Gemini plays the love-struck student who is ready to brave all obstacles to ensure Fourth faces no issues. A single-minded individual who will do anything to win the heart of his lover. You can sense his feeling when he gives a faint smile or looks dejected.

If there is ever a reason to watch this series, it has to be the fabulous acting, wonderful songs and the portrayal of relationships. This is how you do a romantic series with no unnecessary drama or fights between the 2 main leads. There is just one point that I would like to raise and that is the series fails to provide a reason for the animosity between Tinn and Sound.

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2 stories strung together well with great acting

I have always found Thai BL to be a hit or miss so I usually keep my hopes under check when I decide to give any series a try. This was no exception. That being said, after finishing the series I can state that I am glad that I gave this one a try. It was certainly not perfect (hardly any series can be) but it was good and entertaining.
The series is divided into 2 parts, each part dedicated to each of the 2 couples. The 1st part is about Rain, an engineering student who is in love with a girl but due to some circumstances meets Payu, an engineer and a bike enthusiast. Payu shows interest in Rain and devices ways to meet and tease him so he would fall for him (huh! what?). Ultimately Rain bets that in 1 month he will make Payu fall head over heels for him and bring a stop to his teasing. Here starts Rain's attempt to win his bet while also ensuring his engineering studies arent affected.
The 2nd part revolves around Sky (Rain's friend), another engineering student who is good with his studies and takes the responsibilities of being a senior seriously. Although he seems happy you later find out that he is battling his own past demons. His life is disrupted with the entry of Prapai (Payu's friend), a rich businessman, a philanderer and a successful racer who cant be beat. Prapai tries all the usual tactics to get Sky to fall in love with him and help him to get over the past issues that haunt him.
I am glad that they decided to keep both the stories separate although it dealt with the same set of people. This gave them enough time to concentrate on 1 love couple and bring out of the best rather than moving back and forth between 2 couples. It sometimes becomes an editing nighmare and there are countless such series that fails due to atrocious editing.
To begin with the 1st storyline, there are some great moments while Rain is trying to get Payu fall for him and is failing miserably. They are funny and sometimes heart-warming. You see that Payu likes Rain but is strict with him when it comes to his studies thereby showing that he really cares. As the story progresses you find out Payu has been manipulating the situation right from the beginning for Rain to make the bet and instead make Rain fall in love with him. This is where I was pulled out of the storyline a bit. It seems absurd that Payu can plan this whole thing out and knew that Rain will fall for him. I understand this is fiction but there is a limit to my suspension of disbelief. They could have ignored the whole manipulation plot and nothing would have been lost. But I did certainly ignore that facet and continued watching it with equal interest. The chemistry between the 2 leads was exceptional and it was believable that they are in love. 8/10 to this story. Certain scenes could have been trimmed to make the story more crisp but still good nonetheless.
The 2nd plot about Sky and Prapai was near perfect. The story had gravitas. On one side we have Sky, a broken boy with a dark past that haunts his dreams. He is seriously traumatised and that part of his is uncovered slowly and I loved it. On the other side we had Prapai, a rich boy who seems spoilt but is smitten with Sky after their first encounter and is willing to do anything to win him over, in the process changing himself and bringing Sky to terms with his past. The story is not something I have seen explored in a lot of BLs and I was glad to see it here and both the actors were convincing enough. Just like the 1st plot a few scenes should have been trimmed to make way for better story building about Sky's trauma rather than religating it to a few minutes in the last episode. That storyline had potential and should have been more fleshed out but you cant get everything you ask for and as I said earlier I entered this series with little hope. 8.5/10 to this story.

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Blending Romance, Intrigue, and Emotion in 2024's Standout BL Series

"Love for Love's Sake" doesn't just raise the bar for BL shows; it vaults over it, offering a captivating blend of compelling story, engaging characters, and powerful emotions. This 2024 series masterfully combines the three core elements of a successful show, resulting in a unique and unforgettable experience.

The story hooks us instantly with its premise: Tae Myung Ha, a serious and responsible man, suddenly finds himself thrust into a game world where his mission is to ensure the happiness of Cha Yeo Woon, a talented athlete burdened by misfortune. Lee Tae Vin and Cha Joo Wan deliver impactful performances, portraying Tae Myung Ha's determined care and Cha Yeo Woon's initial skepticism that gradually melts into love.

However, "Love for Love's Sake" goes beyond a simple romance. The game mechanics, introduced through on-screen notifications and quests, add a layer of intrigue and danger. Glitches and forced corrections introduce uncertainty, keeping us guessing about the game's boundaries and Tae Myung Ha's fate. Each completed quest brings him closer to his goal, but also closer to a ticking clock with potentially disastrous consequences.

Oh Min Su shines as Chun Sang Won, the initially antagonistic character who undergoes a compelling transformation due to Tae Myung Ha's influence. His rivalry with Cha Yeo Woon for Tae Myung Ha's affection adds complexity to the dynamics, highlighting the emotional stakes involved.

The series transitions seamlessly from comedic moments to romantic scenes, exploring the evolving dynamics between the main characters as they navigate love, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of the game. As the stakes heighten and the game's influence grows darker, "Love for Love's Sake" delves into themes of sacrifice and resilience, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the final episode.

"Love for Love's Sake" is a must-watch for BL fans and anyone seeking a show that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Its intriguing concept, layered characters, and impactful emotional journey solidify its place as a standout series in 2024.

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Its all a series of break-ups and make-ups

It's said that very many romantic dramas have a start, a middle and a 3rd act break up followed by the happy ever after. If you want to know what a third act breakup looks like, its all this movie.

Xie Yan, enamored with Shu Nian, showers him with attention, while Shu Nian, wary of a heartbreak, attempts to maintain a cautious distance. The film navigates through a series of break-ups and make-ups, evolving into what even the characters themselves acknowledge as a game. The plot cleverly explores the intricacies of their love, presenting a roller coaster of emotions.

What continues from the 1st movie is the strong chemistry between the two main characters. Shu Nian is in love with Xie Yan irrespective of the number of times he breaks his heart while Xie Yan remains helpless to convince Nian about his true feelings. Our two main leads have portrayed these emotions brilliantly through their stellar performances. However, where this movie falters is the lack of character depth. Shu Nian and Xie Yan appear to be one dimensional wherein one is always distressed anticipating the relationship to fall apart at every step while the other struggles to keep it going without clear communication with his love ineterst. This makes the movie predictable as we already know how the characters will react to a given situation. There is a lack of character development deeply hampering a deeper connection with the leads.

This movie however does a great job of taking us on a roller coaster ride of emotions. There are multiple moments where we see the characters sharing their love for each other only for the next moment to dampen their relationships. Other than Shu Nian, every other character seems to be interested in jeapodizing their relationship including Xie Yan.

In conclusion, if you've invested in the characters from the first part, this sequel is a necessary watch to witness the resolution of their turbulent love story. The commendable performances elevate the experience, even within the confines of a somewhat foreseeable narrative.

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A Delightful Journey with Charming Hosts

This is a travel show that offers an enjoyable and exciting viewing experience, largely due to the irresistible charm of its three hosts. Throughout the series, you accompany them as they navigate unfamiliar streets, engage with local people, and embark on spontaneous adventures. Each day presents an opportunity to explore a different part of Northern India, immerse themselves in local cultures, and approach every experience with open-mindedness and respect.

In its second season, the trio of hosts—Kian84, Dex, and Pani Bottle—embark on an unforgettable journey to the northern regions of India, specifically Varanasi, Amritsar, and Leh. Here, they encounter a myriad of new experiences: culinary adventures, wrestling with champions, paying homage to the divine, connecting with locals over shared meals, volunteering for cooking and cleaning, appreciating the breathtaking mountain landscapes, and facing the challenges of nature with humility. What sets this show apart is its spontaneous planning; the hosts make decisions on the fly, whether it's crashing a wedding, flying to Leh for some peace amidst nature, or going on an unplanned camping trip. As a viewer, you're invited to tag along on their journey, sharing in their laughter and fun. When the journey eventually comes to an end, you bid them farewell with a sense of longing, hoping for a reunion. The other cast members—Jang Do Yeon, Simon D, and Lee Seung Hoon—add humor and witty commentary as they watch the travel videos.

The hosts excel in showcasing the diverse regions of India and all they have to offer. In Varanasi, they capture the city's beauty and its profound significance to the Hindu population. The contrast between Kian84's visit to a crematorium, which serves as a reminder of mortality, and the joy of celebrating at a wedding ceremony is particularly poignant. In Amritsar, they visit the iconic Golden Temple and partake in the communal meals served to all visitors, demonstrating their willingness to contribute by volunteering for cooking and cleaning. The series concludes in Leh, nestled near the Himalayas, where they face the challenges of outdoor camping while dealing with altitude sickness.

In conclusion, this is a must-watch show thanks to its charismatic hosts and their willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. It's a delightful journey that offers viewers an opportunity to share in their adventures and discoveries, leaving you with a sense of wanderlust and anticipation for their next adventure.

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When you like something so much you do it three times

The creators of this series really like the trope of 2 people falling in love and breaking up and reconciling so much that they showed it three times. Its like you are watching the episodes on repeat.

The story is about Prakan, a doctor who is able to see a grim repaper who he names Tuaphee. What starts as a fight between the doctor who wants to save lives and a grim reaper who wants to collect souls slowly grow in to something more. There is a bit of a mystery and hospital politics sprinkled in between. To me this sounds like an interesting premise as we could find a lot of elements of humour and tragedy with such polar opposite characters and their job roles. But the series fails to capitalise on this opportunity. Instead, what we get is Prakan being whiny and Tuaphee being all caring and understanding and this is where the series loses all charm and interest.

The series seems to be stuck in a loop where Prakan tries to save a patient but fails and sees Tuaphee there to collect the soul. He acts as if Tuaphee was responsible for the patient’s death and loses his mind. He starts yelling at him and says some unsavoury things. Tuaphee meanwhile either doesn’t say a word or tries to explain himself to no avail. Here, their budding relationship comes to an end. After sometime Prakan realises his mistake and apologises to Tuaphee and they get back together again only for Prakan to lose another patient and blame Tuaphee and rinse and repeat. Looking at this you feel the series is stuck in a loop and you just want to slap some sense in to both of them.

Also, for some reason the characters on this series have shown to never believe that someone is in love with them although they have been secretly pursuing them for some time. And this holds true mainly for the secondary couples. Metha likes Nuch but always believes that she is in love with Prakan even after Prakan telling him that they are just friends. Nuch tries to care for Metha but he pushes her away by being obnoxious because he feels she can never be good to him without an ulterior motive that would benefit Prakan. Then we have Nathee and Keetha. Nathee likes Keetha and even confesses his love while drunk. Later he confesses again while being intoxicated and this time Keetha accepts him. But he refuses to believe that Keetha has feelings for him. I mean, Keetha confessed as well and kissed you. What more do you want for god’s sake!

In conclusion, this series is lacklustre and suffers from a mediocre plot wherein the writers lost all imagination and kept going for the same breakup storyline. The actors seem to have tried their best with what they were handed. The series could have been so much interesting if they could have just given it a bit more thought. You can give it a watch as it isn’t a dumpster fire but you will certainly feel that some storylines are rushed and some plotlines just don’t go anywhere and are placed to increase the runtime.

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The Eclipse outshines a lot of other BL series out there

There was a big hullabaloo when this series first released and finally, I got time to binge watch it and this was entertaining to say the least. From a good storyline to outstanding performances, this show certainly deserves a lot of praise.

On the onset the show is about a school shrouded in mystery where the students are taught to follow the strict rules and have prefects who are tasked to ensure that there are no issues. But like in every authoritarian system, there are some students who are ready to throw a wrench in to the works. The disturbances are greatly multiplied with the admission of a new student who enters the school to find the reason for his uncle’s suicide. This brings him on a direct conflict with the head prefect. The series is all about discovering the true nature of the school’s rigid policies and the reason for the suicide.

Although the series deals broadly with the issues of authoritarianism that would go to lengths to keep the status quo even to the extent to silencing dissent through harsh punishments, it also tries to tackle the issue of homophobia, discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in society, stress of school life and self-acceptance. The 2 main leads are put in to situations where these issues come to the forefront and they are forced to face them head-on. That being said, the show does shy away from raising awareness of the true challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community instead remains stereotypical or overly simplistic. For e.g., we see the initial protest by 3 gay students on the right to not wear uniform to school when clearly the bigger issue is about rampant homophobia supported by the school. Also many episodes just drag on without much happening whereas the same time could have been used in developing some supporting characters.

First and Khaotung were great at their respective roles and they really brought the characters to life. The story of Neo and Luis needed more time to develop as their love story just feels rushed turning them in to one dimensional characters.

In conclusion, the series boasts of a great star-cast and a thought-provoking storyline with a message about diversity and acceptance with a simple mystery to push the story ahead. It’s a must watch for anyone who enjoys BL series and does not mind few short-comings regarding the portrayal of gay characters.

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