Reviews

One of the best BLs I've watched

This is my first review here, sorry if it's bad, but I love this drama so much, I had to write something.
First, I've watched this one I think two times and a "half", and I'm definitely not the type re-watch something, so that tells you something about the story.
The main couple is really sweet, and, even with the obstacles and the clear differences between them, they manage to be one of my favorite BL couples, the actors did SO WELL with them, even when they're not being intimate, you can tell they're attracted to each other. They're lowkey an enemies to lovers kind of couple, but I feel like there was always tension in between them. Also, when the policeman (I forgot their names lmao) started showing signs of liking, he was soooo cute.
Now, my favorite couple is actually the second one. They're so cute so sweet, they're were clearly going to be together from their first interaction, the amount of times I've watched YouTube compilations of those two together... God!! I love them!!! I love the contrast between the cute and naive policeman, with the "dark", clever and dirty minded mafia guy. And I love how they're were not toxic, and Jack never forced anything to happen. He knew exactly how to flirt, and I looooove their ending.
I would love to see a season 2 showing how their lives changed since starting being a relationship with a mafia person. That would be so cool!!!

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Keep giving it a try..

This review is also a LONG time coming and this, like Senior High 2, is a continuation of my review of Senior High. In that review, I mentioned that both seasons had sort of become one in my mind because I watched them at a stretch, but that I did vaguely remember where they made the cut. Now I can also say why my rating has reduced if both seasons really did feel like one.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️
The show contains depictions of bullying, violence, SA, murder and much more. I found it pertinent to include this because the depictions are rather explicit, and caution may be exercised before watching.

The reason my rating went down is because like a lot of school based series, Senior High took the decision to have the adults be more involved in the story. Season 1 mostly focused on the students and the school itself, but suddenly you have the adults thrown into the mix in much larger roles, which here meant all the horrible scenes from season 1 were happening double fold.
I always noticed that the viewing experience is brought down significantly once adults are throw into the equation in a thriller set within a school or university, and this was no exception.

All of a sudden, the content was much more explicit, the plot twists that much more improbable and the characters much less likeable. The feeling that they were probably dragging this along far too much started to creep in and by the time the finale rolled around, it was a little dissapointing since a lot of the story had become predictable.

While dragging out the series may have made it a bad, it was still engrossing most of the time. To even out the truly horrible scenes, there were ones that weren't as horrible, and maybe even kind of nice.
It was kind of a step down from season 1 for me, but not by much.

Once again, give it a try and see if you like it. If season 1 was your cup of coffee, this may probably be as well. Maybe it will surprise you just the way Senior High did.

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Give it a try

This review is a LONG time coming because I watched the show months ago, but I couldn't think of what to put in my review once I finished it. I thought giving it some time would help and then I promptly forgot to actually do it.

Since High Street (sequel to Senior High) just started airing, I decided to write it now.
Here's the review:

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️
The show contains depictions of bullying, violence, SA, murder and much more. I found it pertinent to include this because the depictions are rather explicit, and caution may be exercised before watching.

I started watching this because I came across some clips on YouTube, but I decided I wasn't going to watch an 50 episodes (100+ with both seasons) just to catch a glimpse of two people who may or may not become a couple. I decided the clips were enough until I realised that I didn't really have the complete context of the story, plot wise or romance wise, since both seemed to be integral for my understanding.

I then caved and started watching it, deciding that if I didn't like it, I could just stop. And would you know it, I couldn't stop. The show is dramatic, a little cringey, and downright impossible at times (most of the time), but it keeps you invested.
It's the kind of series where the kids have more common sense, compassion and just plain humanity compared to the adults. It's more dramatic than it needs to be and that's probably what worked.

The story follows Sky Love Cruz, a recent transferee to Northford High, the school which her twin Luna Amore Cruz attends. Not long after, Luna dies of an apparent suicide, but Sky thinks otherwise and decides to investigate. As she rules out suspects and gains allies, she discovers the deep, dark secrets of the school and the people in it.

Without giving away much about the plot (which I won't either way because it's far more complicated than one would expect) the story manages to keep you on your toes the entire time. Yes, the scenes are drawn out, yes plot points could have been concluded much faster than they actually did, but there is a high chance that you'll be invested either way. It very much reminded me of the soap operas we get on television where I live, and maybe the familiarity made me like it a bit more.

Now, I will admit that both seasons have sort of become one in my mind because I watched them at a stretch, but I do vaguely remember where they made the cut, and season 1 provided quite the setup for an even more dramatic, over the top and traumatic viewing.

Give it a try and see if you like it. If I'm being completely objective, this is not everyone's cup of coffee, maybe even not mine but be what it may, it surprised me and maybe it'll surprise you as well.

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Bad and… bad.

This is one of the messiest shows I’ve ever seen. It constantly changes it’s focus and villains, not in a serialized way where there’s a different focus each episode but in a confusing way where we spend multiple episodes following a story only for it to be gone soon after. New characters are always being introduced too. I felt like I was being dragged all over the place- it would always seem to finally find it’s story only to jump into something completely different.

The DID is completely a subplot that adds very little. From the way the show was advertised/promoted it seemed very much like that would be the main point but it wasn’t really. I have only ever seen DID portrayed absurdly (in soap operas for example) so I have no idea how to judge it’s accuracy, but I have seen other people be very upset with it’s depiction here. You’d think they would have done some sort of research on the condition especially with having Ryu Su Yeol constantly visiting a therapist about it in the series, but I doubt it.

The cast makes it semi enjoyable but not enough to warrant the overall watch honestly.

Han Ji Eun is a definite stand out, I hope to see her in more leading roles. That’s all I can take away from this honestly.

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Its never the power, but the choices!

Technically speaking, it's just the same repetitive story of young adults, each with different superpowers coming up together to compete against each other, coming out of their shelled home to experience their world, to realise that just because you are the top of your sect doesn't mean you are the top of the world, there are greater and more powerful talents. Yet at the end of the tunnel lie the challenges that they must face United. Cause no matter how competitive they are against each other, each of them fight for their cause of protecting their loved ones.
But what makes these yet repetitive stories unique, maybe the implementation of it. Was it presented comprehensive enough to make it enjoyable for the viewers? Did it have elements that made it a binge-watch for the viewers? Yes. It was, for me atleast!
Trying out modern martial arts+superpower drama was a new for me. Considering the fact that I already dropped it in first 5 mins for 3 times consecutively, since I wasn't prepared enough to experience something new. But anyways, finally managed to persist this time, and voila! It didn't disappoint, I would have missed such a treasure. The comedy was fulfilling to the point that I am still suffering from stomachache. Yet, the tragedies were sad too! It was so well-put, as if the author wants us to face the reality of tragedies, helplessness, sadness, yet at the end wants to give us hope to live optimistic!
The characters were individual. Normally, some dramas often fail deliver every individual as powerful, just to highlight the main lead, but that wasn't the case here. Besides having different powers, each of them have well set character sketch that integrates well with their powers show casing how their powers influence their personality and vice-versa.
You know those moments, when each character is interesting to the point that you look forward to their scenes, their interactions like everything about them. And ladies and gentlemen, yes, the dynamics between characters never failed, literally never!
The CGI and camera angles were well done. The fight scenes were smooth, and precise! So huge hats off to all the actors as well as the stuntmen, for pulling off their roles so well in these scenes. There were certain editings and inserts in the story that was well done, giving a closure to every single character even in this 27 episode pack! Heavy applauses for this implementation!
There were so many storylines to follow, so it was fun to see these youth reaching the fork path of choices, their growth, their choices. The plot had mysteries to follow which kept viewers intrigued until the end. And still, until the end the mystery wasn't exactly completely solved. There are many questions yet to be answered, many secrets yet to be unfolded leaving a space for season 2. And yeah. I heard they are filming season 2 currently!

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A High End Adaptation You Definitely Need to Watch

Love isn’t always beautiful or happy. In truth, love isn’t really about beauty at all but the depths to which we can fall, good or bad. The beautiful is in the good. The pain is in the bad.

The new Thai BL series My Stand-In cleverly captures these nuanced emotions, highlighting both the good and painful. It follows Joe, a stuntman doubling for the famous actor Tong, who develops feelings for Ming, a complex figure who sees him only as a stand-in for Tong. Tragedy strikes when Joe dies in an accident, but fate intervenes, and he awakens in another man’s body, also named Joe. When he reencounters Ming, the truth behind their love story begins to unfold.

And that’s where Ming and Joe’s painful reality truly sets in. Their story starkly highlights the brutal yet touching nature of love and how it has the power to both lift someone up and shatter them.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/05/09/my-stand-in-first-impressions-ep-1-2/

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A Funky Romance With Quirky Characters

The show opens with a confession scene and it is one of the most hilariously aggressive ones I have ever seen!

The cue to start this romcom was obviously Kim Myung Soo; having watched his recent thriller “Numbers”, I was intrigued with finding out how he would fare in a romantic comedy. So far, so good, Kim Myung Soo does a good job portraying a 21st century Korean Confucian man with a rebellious streak. As for his co-star Lee Yoo Young, I read a lot of comments on MyDramaList, talking about their age gap & how she looked too older than Kim Myung Soo. Is the age gap that viable? Yes, it is but it really doesn’t deter the romance happening in the background and I wasn’t bothered by their age difference. It may be because the female lead didn’t strike me as an odd counterpart to her younger co-star. They make a formidable team while facing their individual problems; the story is not just about their relationship. You can draw your own conclusions after watching the pilot episodes; for now, I’m enjoying the drift!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/dare-to-love-me-first-impressions/#more-817

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A Refreshing Gem: "Welcome to Samdalri" is a Comforting K-Drama

I'm compelled to share my thoughts on this delightful drama, which has left a lasting impression on me. "Welcome to Samdalri" is a true gem that has captured my heart with its gentle, refreshing story and lovable characters.

As someone who tends to avoid heavy dramas and frustrating villains, I was thrilled to find that this show exceeded my expectations in every way. The female lead shines brightest, with a growth arc that's both inspiring and relatable. I was particularly impressed by the way the community rallied around her, offering support and encouragement on her journey.

The small town setting is also noteworthy, with its picturesque scenery and warm atmosphere that feels like a cozy hug. It's no wonder that this drama has become a comfort watch for many fans.

What struck me most, however, was the drama's ability to soothe my frazzled nerves after watching another intense K-drama, "Queen of Tears". This show was the perfect antidote to the stress and angst I had accumulated, and I found myself fully immersed in its gentle charm.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good K-drama that will leave you feeling uplifted and comforted, look no further than "Welcome to Samdalri".

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Maybe it's the best I've ever seen

When I started watching this drama, I didn't expect to be so surprised. The plot is basic and I thought it wouldn't have much depth. I realized it would be the opposite when each episode was 1h30 (LOL). however, even with long episodes, the plot, development and characters manage to sustain themselves. Furthermore, the subplots developed are thought-provoking, and in many moments I found myself tearing up with secondary characters (something that was very well used in this drama). another factor is that I cried even more with the main couple. In addition to the two protagonists having undeniable chemistry, seeing them hurt each other (especially the male character) was something that affected me in undeniable ways. I was on the third episode and I thought DAMN, I'M OBSESSED. result? I marathoned in three days. I agree that some of the solutions at the end were hasty, but damn it I loved it

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Your August is my August

The 2021 of August, you were there, I was there.
This may holiday, my father and I watched"August" at home, he asked me about you, I can not answer, a moment of rapid heartbeat, the familiar fear came to me, i can not face, the injury is a lifetime.
As a bystander I am, but you are stronger than most. For me, after August, I just hope you are better and better, and you are better than most of us expect, whether it's a documentary or a concert, it's beyond our imagination!
"August" is the first film you directed, I always imagine before seeing this film, how will you make it? What will be the subject of this documentary? You can always surprise people, after seeing this documentary my friends and I unanimously issued a"Is really Zhang Zhehan!" Feeling.
Will it pay off? I think time will tell.
Thank you for your strong and firm belief all the way! ! !

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Sweet romance between gamers

The show is watchable... Though a little cringe at times but more or less watchable ... I wish the character of FL were played by someone else ...cheng Xiao is very cute but her acting sucks ... Her expressions are quite FLAT ... You don't believe me watch it again ... She has literally two expressions ... Normal eye face and wide open eye face ... 2 /10 points for her acting. Xu Kai was fine... I like his works but he is not one of my favs ..reason ? He doesn't take challenging roles ... God knows why?? he is better suited for crime thriller playing cops and undercover agents yet he plays these lousy characters. Pfft!!! What a waste.

Either way a good show to watch ...nice time pass

Worth rewatching: NOPE

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A dream and a forbidden love

Every year, the music industry launches numerous boy bands around the world to make their international debut. Other industries, also dedicated to entertainment, such as television, always at the forefront, have not been left behind, in the effort to tell us about the creation and evolution of these groups.
And if, along with this, they address stories of overcoming and forbidden love between members of said bands, the public awaits them with greater interest.
That is why today we remember 'Boyband The Series', a Thai audiovisual characterized by its excellent performances, a dream soundtrack and enviable scenery.
Its premiere took place in February 2023, and with 6 episodes lasting approximately 45 minutes each, we are introduced to Top, played by Phiphat Wichasu (Zubom), in his first acting role, a young man who has had to make an effort in life to be able to pay the debt contracted by his father, in addition to paying for the medical treatment of his mother, a disabled woman after suffering a traffic accident, and also paying for the education of his minor sister. To get ahead, he has had to work as a waiter, elephant keeper and sword fighter.
Top will have the opportunity to travel from Khon Kaen, Isaan province, to Bangkok, to become an artist under World Star, the company of Khun Serena (Metinee Kingpayome - Lukkade), the queen of the entertainment industry, through a singing, dancing and acting contest, which in addition to artistic skills, will evaluate the behavior and attitudes of the contestants.
This trip into the competition represents a new stage in his life for Top, full of surprises that he is willing to accept without hesitation, because in addition to competing against a hundred young people to obtain one of the six positions in dispute, he will meet Juju (Theerachet Yanwantana - Jaymin), the impulsive son of a wealthy family, with whom our protagonist will live a forbidden romance, because the contest imposes a rule on the participants: "Artists are prevented from establishing romantic relationships with each other."
With a chemistry that transcends the screen, Top will help Juju deal with her main problem: her father's refusal to accept her fulfilling her dream of becoming an idol.
One of the aspects that attract attention in this dramatic, romantic, musical and youth comedy with LGBTIQ+ themes is Top's constant race in pursuit of Juju. The unforgettable sequence of Zubom on the motorcycle arriving, with delays, to the place of the band's debut, among the first scenes, while the music directed and composed by Terdsak Janpan for the series plays in the background, is one of the vertices about the that a plot is articulated, which will lead us to other chases, such as that of Top behind Juju's car in an unfortunate first encounter in which the two come out as enemies.
There will also be other chases, such as the chase that is not after Juju, but with Juju, to rescue Juju's bag that the motorcyclists intend to steal, or the race to prevent Juju from fighting with other contestants, due to the risk of being disqualified.
Another race is when Top follows Juju to the latter's mother's house in Krabi, the boy requiring his authorization to continue in the competition.
Each step in those runs brings them closer to each other, and not only from the point of view of shortening the distance.
Top and Juju are joined by Jeff (Arm Boonyavanit - AP), the typical prankster that everyone will want to have by their side to have fun; Ryu (Pakpoom Juanchainat - Art), the famous dancer with many followers on social networks, Ken (Intouch Kooramasuwan - Intouch), the brilliant singer who will fall in love with the singing teacher, and Atom (Wasin Suungkavathin - Aom), the boy seriously focused on his art.
These young people, along with Sun (Natthanun Kurusatienpron - Man), Kampun (Phutawan Yamsai - Tawan); Tiger (Phicaphop Khamnanak - Auto), Pokpong (Patchapol Bhamornbuth - Tong) and Yok (Athiphat Arkrawarachotihiran - Nice), will fight to join the world-class boy band, and will undergo intense training in singing, dancing and acting, as part of the fierce competition that would allow them to achieve their dreams.
As in all competitions, there will be envy and professional jealousy that will play dirty and, through cheating and disloyalty, will try to get others to abandon. Likewise, there are those who will rejoice in the stumble and fall of their rival so that they do not continue in the fight, but there are also those with wise advice and timely encouragement, those who will not mind helping those who do not master the technique or those who He has suffered a blow to his foot that prevents him from dancing well.
We are not looking at the classic BL (hence surely the low rating of the drama), because 'Boyband The Series' aims much higher by exposing problems inherent to the entertainment industry, such as the corrupting power of money to buy artists trained in other agencies , the pressure from managers towards future idols with promises that are not always fulfilled, topics that are rarely addressed in series of the genre, with the exception of 'Call It What You Want I' and some others.
The series, directed by Dome Jade Bunyoprakarn ('My Dear Gangster Oppa', 'Together with Me', 'Bad Romance'), also reflects another theme equally little or poorly portrayed in Thai BL. I mean homophobia. Top and Juju's budding love relationship is used for the purposes of not only causing harm to them, but also to Khun Serena.
And here the series contributes to the struggle of the Thai LGBTIQ+ community, because although discrimination against the members of that human group persists in that country, the initial scenes of the series, which take us to the moment of the meeting of both young people before their debut , shows us that the revelation of their romance will not stop them from moving forward.
Two other main characters are Madame Pauly (Anon Saisangcharn - Pu), in charge of convincing Khun Serena to return to talent training after a period away from the agency she created, after the breakup of her marriage to Phanu (Maethanee Buranasiri - Nino), a manager in the entertainment industry to whom anything goes if he can punish his ex-wife.
Madame Pauly also has the mission of searching for contest candidates and serving as a judge for the competitions.
The writing of the scripts is carried out by Piangpaitoon Satrawaha – May), known for being the screenwriter of 'Naughty Babe' and 'Hormones Season 2', among other series, who in 'Boyband The Seires' plays the judge and teacher My .
Throughout the series, Serena, Pauly and My act as judges and guides in the training of the contestants, imitating the style of programs like "American Idols": while the former acts as an infallible judge, with a reputation for being a "strong hand" , there are always some performances that allow us to see their most sensitive and fair side, because although difficult to convince, they have sound recommendations that are usually accepted and applied by all those who aspire to join the band.
Everything seems fine to My, while Madame Pauly is the one who tries to be objective and lets herself be carried away by her criteria, to which she is always faithful. The actor who plays Madame does not believe in gender stereotypes that pigeonhole men who play very effeminate characters, like his. Lukkade and Pu's performances spice up the series.
'Boyband The Series' darkens in the final episode, with a discussion on stage after the winning team is announced, which contributes little to the closure of the story. It is very unlikely that what happened took place in real life, much less in the grotesque way it was portrayed. These disputes are ultimately aired in court.
Another reason that worked against 'Boyband The Series' was that it aired alongside other popular ThaiBL, such as 'Never Let Me Go', 'My School President' and 'Moonlight Chicken'. It is also not helped by the difficulties that the public has in accessing audiovisuals with English subtitles.
The series brings us as a bonus the possibility of meeting several BL stars who show their faces as guest artists. These include Copter Phanuwat, Bas Suradej Pinnirat, Max Kornthas Rujeerattanavorapan, Fluke Natouch Siripongthon and Peter Knight.
Love triangles, forbidden romances, infatuations between contestants and teachers, seductions of judges to try to be favored by them, villains who steal talents just to cause harm, young people who fight to achieve their dreams, self-realization, personal and spiritual growth, diversity sexuality, acceptance, homophobia, among other topics, appear in a very well written script.
Top and Juju have a dream. The realization of it comes to the first almost by chance, when he no longer had hope after his uncertain initial steps in Korea. Juju won't stop until he reaches it. And both manage, by putting one brick on top of another, to build together that dream life that grows together with romantic love.

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Don't judge the series just by initial few episodes..

The plot is rather frustrating & slow paced at the beginning as we see ML dies without doing much and FL hopelessly bullied by even the servants of the household.I thought of dropping it around episode 8 glad I didn't.
As anyone would expect the return of ML to life and taking it further with the revenge ...but to my surprise first half was totally about FL avenging her husband's death,all alone.
HONESTLY THIS WAS NEW AND THE BEST THING ABOUT THE STORY.

in the first half, she SINGLEHANDEDLY won against the villian. her planning,execution,devotion and focus to the target was commendable,like she was willing to even give away her body to serve her revenge WHAT A BEAUTIFULLY DARK FL ?
The story had some very sensitive plots break like rape and assault to the point of miscarriage but I believe not every story can serve the purpose of fairytale.some series are better off without vanilla romance

Huge appreciation to Vincent who played this disgusting to the core psychopath rapist villian.

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