FrankIncese
USA
This review may contain spoilers
FLUFF BUT STILL ADORABLE
Not much happens here that didn't happen in the first season. At times it feels like they just shortened that season and made a few minor adjustments so it appeared new - but wasn't. Still, it's entirely enjoyable. One of the best produced and acted series out there. I wish the script was better (It's not BAD, just not original). But honestly, guys, another soccer match where a player gets injured and a cheerleader collapses? If this was 10 years later you might say it's an homage to the original. Here it's just lazy. Even the (thankfully very short) storyline where Tine is "learning" guitar is taken from the original.
When the biggest conflict you can come up with is a couple being physically apart for 2 weeks (not because of an argument, but just for logistical reasons),then you're really not trying very hard. Yet somehow, Bright and Win make you feel this separation is somehow heartbreaking. Their relationship is so sweet, so tender, so thoughtful. They are the boyfriends everyone would hope for.
I know that music is a huge part of this storyline, but there were a few too many songs in these five episodes for me. Another easy way for the writers to have characters express emotions without having to actually come up with a story and dialogue that would require them to do so. Let's just have them recite someone else's lyrics.
This cast, most notably the MC are so good. Bright and Win have such incredible chemistry. I would watch them together in anything. They seem so comfortable, natural, and real. No emotion is forced. While I personally have issues with some of the familiar BL tropes (a couple that have lived together for a year and yet only ONCE said they "like" each other???, very little hand holding, even less kissing), there is such warmth and affection between these two actors and their characters that each scene is so heartfelt you get all the emotions needed for a fulfilling and satisfying romance. All of the side couples and friends are equally strong. It's a testament to the director that he can coax good performances out of actors I normally think are not that strong. Kudos to all.
I must, however, call out another trope that always annoys me. Flashbacks to previous scenes. This mini-series if chock full of them. Many of them are from S1, so I ALMOST forgive them. It may have been a while since we watched those eps, so a quick reminder is ok. But they also include flashbacks to episodes from within S2, and on at least 2 occasions the flashbacks are from the previous scene. We just watched it 2 minutes ago. We don't need to be reminded of what happened. Especially with these actors who can convey the emotions so well. Just a look from Tine tells me he's thinking about Wat. I don't need the flashback to hammer it home. Do you really think your audience is that dim?
All in all, nothing so compelling that you should put this on top of your list, but if you've watched S1, these 5 quick episodes are a light distraction that you can get through relatively quickly. I don't know if I'll watch all 5 eps again, but if I ever need a quick fix, there are moments in each of the eps that really warm my heart, so when I feel the need for a best-boyfriend-ever moment, I can call up any ep and be totally satisfied. Enjoy.
When the biggest conflict you can come up with is a couple being physically apart for 2 weeks (not because of an argument, but just for logistical reasons),then you're really not trying very hard. Yet somehow, Bright and Win make you feel this separation is somehow heartbreaking. Their relationship is so sweet, so tender, so thoughtful. They are the boyfriends everyone would hope for.
I know that music is a huge part of this storyline, but there were a few too many songs in these five episodes for me. Another easy way for the writers to have characters express emotions without having to actually come up with a story and dialogue that would require them to do so. Let's just have them recite someone else's lyrics.
This cast, most notably the MC are so good. Bright and Win have such incredible chemistry. I would watch them together in anything. They seem so comfortable, natural, and real. No emotion is forced. While I personally have issues with some of the familiar BL tropes (a couple that have lived together for a year and yet only ONCE said they "like" each other???, very little hand holding, even less kissing), there is such warmth and affection between these two actors and their characters that each scene is so heartfelt you get all the emotions needed for a fulfilling and satisfying romance. All of the side couples and friends are equally strong. It's a testament to the director that he can coax good performances out of actors I normally think are not that strong. Kudos to all.
I must, however, call out another trope that always annoys me. Flashbacks to previous scenes. This mini-series if chock full of them. Many of them are from S1, so I ALMOST forgive them. It may have been a while since we watched those eps, so a quick reminder is ok. But they also include flashbacks to episodes from within S2, and on at least 2 occasions the flashbacks are from the previous scene. We just watched it 2 minutes ago. We don't need to be reminded of what happened. Especially with these actors who can convey the emotions so well. Just a look from Tine tells me he's thinking about Wat. I don't need the flashback to hammer it home. Do you really think your audience is that dim?
All in all, nothing so compelling that you should put this on top of your list, but if you've watched S1, these 5 quick episodes are a light distraction that you can get through relatively quickly. I don't know if I'll watch all 5 eps again, but if I ever need a quick fix, there are moments in each of the eps that really warm my heart, so when I feel the need for a best-boyfriend-ever moment, I can call up any ep and be totally satisfied. Enjoy.
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