Honestly, I can't even say they meant well

Here's the thing, I HATE what this drama says about suicide. It basically tells anyone who's suicidal to rethink their decision because it's "selfish." That they would be a selfish person for experiencing deep suffering/depression and not being able to take anymore. That their loved ones being in despair due to their passing is more important than what they're going through. Fucking excuse me?

First off, fuck that message. What a shitty and inaccurate thing to say. What's next, you're going to tell people with clinical depression to not be depressed because they're bringing down the mood?!

Second off, saying that is not even helpful. You shouldn't be convincing someone to live for others because what happens when those people are no longer around? A person needs to learn to live for themself.

This all felt like a demeaning slap in the face to mental health and people's struggles generally. I was just waiting for someone to say, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

The only thing I appreciated and enjoyed about this was the action. Because when it was all chase scenes, murders, and new unique stories it was legitimately entertaining. If this was about Death being some cruel game master and went more the route of Alice in Borderland, I would find it not only palatable but worthwhile to recommend. As it stands, due to its messaging, I can't. Skip this one, my dear MDLers.

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Impressing and Special

I'm giving the male couple a 10/10. If I had to rate the female couple, I would give them an 8/10, and I would give the male and female couple a 7/10.

I do admit I may have a bit of a bias in regards to the Straight couple. As someone who only some years ago came out as Bi, I have been trying to find all the LGBT+ content I can. I have seen so many Straight romances, and the world of tv and film mostly consists of Straight romances, so I have seen every Straight trope and relationship dynamic under the sun. In a way, I find myself bored with Straight romances. Because I've seen it for so long, am always publicly presented with it, and live in a majority Straight world. So, while this premise is unique for the other two couples, I have seen rather similar scenes play out with a Straight couple before (Love Alarm would be the most recent comparable example).

The two guys acted the best compared to the two other couples (I'm not knocking the others' acting, they did a good job overall, I just thought their chemistry and actions didn't feel as natural). Their tension was palpable. It felt as though there was this constant pull between them. It was as though they kept taking turns inhaling and breathing out for each other.

This short is very short (of course, because it's a short film). I only wish I saw a little more. I would have loved to have seen what happened 5 minutes before they went inside to escape the rain. What were they talking about before? Were they hanging out? Or, did they just run into each other?

But, then again, the fact that this short film leaves me longing for more just speaks to how good this was. I think the point of it was to leave you with some questions. So, consider me happily annoyed that not everything was spelled out and handed to me. Lol.

Surprisingly the limited dialogue made it much more interesting. They were able to play more with tone, spacing, and atmosphere. It was also very interesting to see how the 3 different couples' actors changed up the lines in small but subtly beautiful ways. This has to be the best short film I have seen in years.

Also, one final compliment: The sound team did an amazing job! Every sigh and movement felt heightened, which made every moment feel precious and not wasted, and the rain was perfect background noise.

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Just . . . Bad.

I wanted to like this. I really did. At first I told myself: It's not bad. But not good.

But . . . It was just bad.

I could tell the actors were trying to work with what they were given, but it was like you could almost see it behind their eyes that they wished they could say some lines differently.

And it wasn't just the performances that were lacking, the camerawork could be downright ugly, the important plotpoints of the story felt like they were thrown in at random times, the pacing was off, and the dialogue made me feel like I was in a hamster wheel!

Side Note: Why did Dennis even exist as a character?

Me trying to see the positives:

The concept had promise, the ending wasn't too bad, and sometimes the MLs had legitimate chemistry.

This is a skip my friends. Go watch The New Employee instead. I know you've been thinking about it. Just go!

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I was impressed, and I think you will be too

Watching this all at once makes me believe releasing it in one day was the right decision. It flows and feels like a movie, not a drama. I don't think you'll like it or appreciate it as much if you just see an episode or two a week.

This. This is top-tier. If Romance is a Bonus Book is a love letter to books, Blueming is a love letter to films.

It manages to capture "a feeling" in every scene, and the cinematography is everything. Semantic Error went for a style similar to its original work, with bright colors and loud music and graphics. This was toned-down, with warm colors, unassuming music, and subtle cuts.

Both are great, just in different ways.

I loved how, at its core, this was about opening up to someone. Finding a person you can share your insecurities with who won't look at you differently because of it, someone you can comfortably be vulnerable with.

Sexuality wasn't even a topic or issue because it was of no importance to the story being told. It wasn't the point. Seeing people onscreen actually declare their sexuality is great for representation. Having it be a non-issue is also great. We can tell stories with LGBT+ people without necessarily making it about them being LGBT+. Straight romances and stories aren't generally about them being Straight; it's about the story.

When I reached the end of this film, I realized it had never come up. And my reaction was simply, "Oh."

This was lovely.

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Logically, I know they didn't do anything truly incredible. On the surface, this story has been told before. However, I found a surprising amount of emotional depth here.

From the beginning, with a shared pain, the leads are able to see through the other in a way others aren't able to, hear the words they're not saying. Before they even got together, the connection between them felt earned.

The way Hyun Seung approached Song Ah not just with good intentions but with a level of sincerity most men would not dare to show. He didn't play games, beat around the bush, or do things in half-measures; he loved honestly and fully, even when he had no hope or was given less in return. It was truly refreshing to see a ML take a chance with his whole heart.

I also appreciated the showcasing of a mature as well as flawed working woman FL. Song Ah put her career first and love life second. Some may say this made her selfish. However, she knew how she prioritized these aspects of her life, and rather than attempt to be someone she wasn't, she was honest with herself and Hyun Seung, made her goals clear, and took accountability for her shortcomings. And knowing herself as a person who struggled to express her feelings, she took steps to push through the blocks in her mind as well as make efforts suited to her affection style.

I felt I learned and grew with these two. I'm so glad the rep made me check She Would Never Know out!

Side Note: Can we talk about the respect Hyun Seung had for Song Ah?! He didn't take things into his own hands to remove her from a potentially dangerous situation. He respected her agency, stood to the side, and asked, "Do you want me to?"

My hearrrrt!

By the way, can we take a moment to talk about the height difference between these two?! Because it was . . . Ahhh! Maybe I'm starting to realize I sometimes have a thing for it . I mean, Extraordinary You and Abyss also had me swooning.

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A sunny day on Earth with a raincloud overhead

23.5 was a fun flurry of cuteness that managed to wonderfully capture teen love in school. It kept a light comedic tone and, while leaning into many tropes typical of teen Disney romances/Thai BLs, managed to stay fresh with an energetic tone, well-rounded and communicative leads, and unique side characters (need I talk about Aylin, our resident Alien who captured everyone's hearts?).

Even the main misunderstanding was executed better than many similar dramas. Instead of a dragged-out separation topped with assumptions and more misunderstandings, 23.5 pushed through it with heart, developed insight, and thoughtful conversations.

The final conflict is where I felt like this drama was pulled down from greatness.

For a character like Sun, who is presented as a bright, caring ray of sunshine who looks out for others and is mature for her age when it comes to handling emotions and complex situations, you'd think she'd be able to analyze and be critical of her own actions, considering the hurt they caused someone she loved. Granted, she was raised in a fully accepting and supportive environment with a family who never forced their own wants onto her and pushed her toward her dreams. But she also, through Aylin, directly got to see/observe how ignorance/bullying could affect someone.

And while both Sun and Ongsa had work to do on themselves and did grow over time, I found myself unable to fully appreciate it when what should arguably be the biggest conflict they have amounted to a one-sided blame game with a cutesy and rushed make-up unfitting of the situation.

A lack of awareness/regret and the drama's unwillingness/oversight in not calling out its characters is what kept me from finishing 23.5 on a high note. As it stands, I feel pleased as well as disappointed.

All this being said, I do recommend it, just with a small sigh.

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Not perfect, but memorable

I'll be upfront and admit I did not go into this with an open mind, AT ALL. I went into Deep Night fully expecting to find something cheap and surface-level that would make me cringe and regret hitting play. I'd probably end up rating it a 6-6.5/10 and say it was a tasteless, eye-candy watch.

Well, you know what? Shame on me!

This drama had glaring flaws, for certain. The main ones were the villain FL, who screamed like a banshee for no reason and was just plain annoying/idiotic, loud and out-of-place sound effects, and the central roadblock problem for everyone playing out in too similar a way each time.

But it also had highlights as bright as spotlights. And I'm not just talking about the amazing acrobatics, stunning performances, and intense chemistry between the MLs, oh no.

Quietly, a theme of breaking down prejudices and shifting perspectives unfolded, particularly on the part of Khem. He went on a long, difficult, growth-filled journey. From judging hosts, never wanting to be associated with the Deep Night club, and allowing his jealousy and lack of understanding of his boyfriend's career to overtake him to admiring the hosts and noticing their efforts, taking pride in Deep Night and working to make it succeed, and accepting and respecting his boyfriend's work to the point of feeling fully secure in his relationship and cheering him on without any reservations.

My own perspective shifted along with him as I found myself feeling emotional near the end, wishing the best for everyone and wanting the club to do well, not wanting to let these characters that had wormed their way into my heart go.

I wish I could explain in better detail just why I found this so worthwhile. All I can say is that I think you should give Deep Night a chance; it might just surprise you.

Note: .5 out of my score is extra just because, I really wound up loving it, dammit!

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Why did the wind have to blow right then?

I kind of loved this. It was as if I was witnessing a short story being written, discussed, and eventually brought to life over the course of the drama. The color scheme was also fantastic and the acting bordered on great during key scenes. However, despite the MLs having wonderful chemistry all throughout, when it came time to deliver on showing physical affection, they failed. I find myself having to dock a full point for the kiss scene. And, here's the thing, it wasn't as though it was charming or realistically awkward: It just didn't work. I think I would prefer it if they didn't kiss at all rather than deliver something so disappointing and frame it as a romantic high point.

This leaves me feeling conflicted. While I would almost easily recommend this to others, I find myself sighing at its conclusion.

It's like returning home and going over vacation pictures and finding one where you're wearing a new outfit, standing in front of a gorgeous sunset, but at that exact moment when the picture was snapped the wind happened to blow your hair into your face and so while it is still a great memory and you will show it to family and friends your fingers will always itch as you so wish you could fix it by simply brushing your hair away.

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Flawed

I have such mixed feelings about this!

#1.) On the one hand, I almost recommend everyone watch this drama just for having the extremely rare representation that is an AroAce lead and discussing Asexuality. On the other hand, I have to criticize the drama for incorrectly using the term "Asexual" for its FL when it should be AroAce.

#2.) On the one hand, the Queer characters are shown to come to their own conclusions regarding their sexuality. Example: Asahi, the Pan ML, mentions how he once thought he was Gay and even uses the label "Bisexual" for a short time before settling on calling himself Pansexual. On the other hand, there was this subtle idea that Queer people should be the ones comforting and easing the guilt of others. And by having a character come out solely for the person they love, that coming out is something to do for others rather than yourself.

#3.) On the one hand, the conversations between characters about sex education and other "taboo" topics are great! On the other hand, the group of girls often will start an episode being insanely judgemental about a topic only to completely open up and be understanding by the end. I felt whiplash from the sudden shift!

I would absolutely love to cover my eyes and give this a 9/10 or even a 10/10. But there are issues here that I just can't unsee.

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The New Normal (really only a spoiler about a supporting character)

It's so quirky, weird, oddly relatable, and fun. These two guys were a great dynamic duo. They played off each other really well. Most of this drama's episodes are generally stand-alone in nature, until we get near the end and have to bring about the final conclusion.

I started this because the premise itself was really different: Two Blue Vampires on a quest for blood so they can become full vampires, however, COVID-19 has changed how they live their every day lives and gets in their way (along with many other things, of course).

I loved the repeating of how Aoi and Sou needed to embrace the "new normal," because of COVID. And not only that, it became a sort of mantra for them to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, break old habits, and/or rethink their perspectives and thoughts.

Accepting or embracing a/the "new normal," can be starting a new job, getting used to wearing a mask, standing up for yourself, accepting yourself for who you are, trying to make the world a better place, allowing your mind to be changed about something you used to believe strongly, etc.

This gave me the same inspiring feelings that "Colorful Love: Genderless Danshi ni Aisareteimasu" did.

Even if we've been set in our ways for months, years, decades, or even centuries, it's never too late to start working to make the world better for others or yourself, even if it's in small ways like just being your authentic self. It may be tough for you now, but you will give others the courage to do the same and make it easier for the next person by making society more accepting.

Aoi and Sou have great character development over the course of the drama and don't let the lessons they learned go to waste in the end. Neither should we the viewers. We need to accept the new normal of this pandemic, and aside from that bring about our own new normal by advancing social causes. Older generations (or Vampire Elders) may scoff and tell us what we are doing is wrong because it's not how things have been done, but we are living in the 21st century and it is the time to move forward, not backward by staying set in our ways because, "That's how it's always been done."

I loved how though Aoi and Sou at first act as if their only intention is to get blood so they can stop being Blue Vamps, you can tell throughout each episode that--in the end--they really just care about helping people (as much as Sou wouldn't like to admit it. Lol). And by the end of each episode, we, the audience, and them have completely forgotten/no longer care about them being successful in their original mission.

This drama managed to cleverly sneak in a Lesbian character, feminism, discussions of toxic masculinity and stereotypes, anxiety, the meaning of true strength, the struggles of finding a job in a failing economy, the negatives of peer pressure, the importance of being yourself and accepting yourself, and that to grow as a person you need to leave the bad views of those before you behind and move forward to a "new normal."

Side Note: I loved how when Sou was told by Mia that she thought he and Aoi were boyfriends (she also mentions that she is a Lesbian), he doesn't get upset or offended at all at her assumption or say something like, "How could you think that?!" or, "Of course not!" You know why? Because he knows there is nothing wrong with it so why would he get upset. Exactly, Sou! Exactly!

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A bewilderingly wonderful watch

For a not-very-anticipated drama with a confusing synopsis, this managed to pull out all the stops. This. This is what A Shoulder to Cry On WANTED to be. It had tension, kept its focus, kept the conflict simple and unfolded the details of it bit by bit, and pulled the main leads and their complicated feelings together at every turn. And, best of all, their yearning was evident and put into action.

I recommend you go binge it right now!

Criticism: My only real gripe was the music. Many times, it was ill-fitting or came out of nowhere very loudly and interrupted an otherwise impactful moment. Other times, a scene could have done with silence to allow the audience and the characters to sit with their feelings.

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Catering to Straight people

This, like His Man, is an important stepping stone for LGBT+ people in Korean media. Unlike that reality show, though, this had a lot of problems.

While I was ecstatic to hear about this show's release, I began feeling disappointed after watching a few episodes. The hosts wanted to open up the public's minds to Queer people, a noble goal. However, in the pursuit of this they often watered down vital concepts (like sexuality and gender) to the point of being incorrect and/or problematic, were more sympathetic toward parents of Queer children than the children themselves (they even said they were equally struggling), handled insults and dismissals from unaccepting parents with kiddie gloves, and failed to make a hard stand against bigotry.

I do get the sense that this was made with good intentions and that the hosts aren't bad people. But I feel like they cared so much about Straight people's perception of the show that they ended up catering to them to a fault. There was this sense that it was up to Queer people to keep trying to convince their family members and bend to make them more comfortable rather than the onus being on those being hateful and unaccepting.

All of this being said, I'm still glad this was made so I could see these Queer people's stories and so that, hopefully, Korea will portray more real Queer people on the screen.

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Smiling over a meal

Our lovely ladies returned in this second season to grace our screens with the sweet development of their relationship, their own personal challenges and moments of growth, the meeting of new supportive and heart-warming friends, and even more delicious meals.

I know last season I begged for a second season but, now, I'm begging for a third. Pleeeeeeeeease!

If you're not watching this, what are you doing?! Do you not like JOY?!

. . .

Did I mention there's rare Ace rep?

Just go watch it, you fool! I will be over here, crying over my coffee, blessing Furritsubs for allowing me to watch this with subs.

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The end will make it or break it for you

Another case of simple is best. Korean BL's are tragically short right now. But that doesn't mean they can't fully utilize every minute they have and make something great, even on a low budget.

This pulls you in from the start. It has natural acting, smooth transitions, good camerawork, and a moving story. The emotional build-up in particular is spectacular.

From the beginning, we know in our hearts how this story will end. The point of watching it unfold is to see the light that came before the dark.

The ending will either make or break the experience of watching this drama for a lot of people. For me, I found it fitting. It was real and sad, yes. But it was also hopeful. Jae Woo can't save Ji Hoon. But in another timeline another Jae Woo is going back to the same room to call Ji Hoon and will travel through time to meet him. In a way, they will always be together in this world.

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I can sum up this drama with two words: A Need

Where do I even begin to review this drama?

This was a deliciously teasing slow burn, with the tension (and my anticipation) only rising with each new episode. It wound up getting crazy hype; I'm of the belief it was deserved.

They paid attention to the details here: From meaningful items that come up/are shown in the background—even quietly revealing to the viewers how things are progressing—and minute shifts in framing and lighting of scenes to detailed dialogue with weight, symbolism, and double meanings.

Impressively, while the subject matter was often serious, they somehow smoothly incorporated belly-aching comedic moments as well.

Finally, I would be remiss not to praise the actors, as not only the MLs but every side character nailed their roles.

My only real critique: While the music was great, far too many times, it came on too strong during a pivotal scene.

I would absolutely recommend watching this!

Side Note: Can we talk about the FLIRTING game here?! Not just Xiao Yuan but Wei Qian was freaking smooth as butter. Like, damn, man!

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