Ben X Jim (2020)

Better than a lot of craps being shown right now.

What to like:
1. Cutipies! Ben, Jim , Olan! Yum yum yum!;
2. Good subtle acting(except maybe Yana). Some people say that Ben is a bit humanoid with weird facial expressions, I kinda agree (its like watching a male version of Kristen Stewart who almost always looks like she needs to take a crap when she needs to show emotion) BUT its also part of why i like Teejay's acting, it is closer to how people actually act in real life. Also, i like his small nuances that shows the gayness of the character;
3. Flo, i love Flo;
4. Above average cinematography;

What to hate:
1. Creepy watching by the window scenes, like for real, its not polite to openly watch your neighbor through your window;
2. I know Ben and Jim are the main protagonists but the series treated the secondary characters like crap just to move the story forward
- BLs have a sad habit of relegating female characters as useless background characters. They could have made Yana a proper lovable character so we'd feel attached and sorry for her. I love Flo but she was a glorified sidekick, does she not have anything important going on with her life?
- How they handled Olan's character was a bit too low. They made us love him and then just dumped him like a sad kitty;
3. The whole Covid setting was used just for convenience but lacks consistency. Not everyone was wearing protection, the characters were always outside (using being a frontliner as an easy excuse). Is Leo a frontliner too, how can he go to Ben's place so easily? How can Yana hitchride with Olan without mask? If you dont want the character to wear masks, then dont use the COVID setup;
4. Things escalated too quickly - one day Jim was so inlove with Yana and the next he was announcing to the world his love for Ben. I know they tried to show him caring for Ben, even calls him wifey and all, but it wasnt implied he was gay enough to really be his lover. Was he infected with a gay virus? Was it the lack of chemistry? Was it Jerome's ineffective acting?
5. The way they were trying to ship Olan and Yana. I seriously hope they wouldnt put them together, cause it feels like they are going to do that in the second season;
6. I hate Leo and that useless Ben and Jim's families conflicts.

Would i rewatch, yes probably, maybe just a quick skimming before the second season. Overall its a good and appreciated effort from a big studio, certainly better than a lot of the crappy telenovelas in philippine tv. I hope a lot more can be brave enough to tell these kind of stories and maybe one day it will be more mainstream. Overall, i give it 4 stars aout of 5.

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Ben X Jim (2020): A Well-Made Pinoy BL Series

“Ben X Jim” was a well-made Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series. There were a few missteps in terms of characterizations of the support characters but with regard to acting performance and production technicals, this series was very good.

Those who have had a crush on their childhood friend but weren’t able to confess their feelings will find this series relatable. “Ben X Jim” employed the childhood friends to lovers trope that banks heavily on beliefs about destiny and stars aligning when the time is right. Ben and Jim have history together and this series was about confronting their past in order to navigate through their present and their future. Ben and Jim were flawed characters. Ben was abused in a relationship and was prone to dependency. He was also self-righteous at times. Jim wasn’t politically correct and he was macho and possessive at times especially when he constantly referred to Ben as “wifey.” But what’s good with these characters, they’re self-aware of their flaws and towards the end, there were clear character developments. Unfortunately, this can’t be said of most of the support characters. While Leo had more than enough character background and development, Flo, Olan, and Yana didn’t. In fact, even with all the apologies, I’d still say Olan and Yan were treated badly.

On the plus side, screenplay was consistently realistic and relatable. There were good heartfelt lines as well as hilarious dialogues. Ben and Jim’s dramatic scenes had good serious lines while Ben and Olan’s comedic scenes had good funny dialogues. Script was also able to seamlessly incorporate the characteristics of fictional Pinoy superheroes Captain Barbel and Darna and the struggles of real Pinoy modern-day heroes like our frontliners (small business owners, essential workers, couriers, etc.) in one episode.

Across the board, acting was quite solid. Both Teejay and Jerome were very good. They didn’t overact. Their emotional delivery per scene was just fine. They had chemistry together. It also helped that both are quite good-looking. All the male cast members were gorgeous (with a couple of shirtless scenes, lol). Johannes is the beautiful bad boy while Ron is the charming naughty guy. Both of them capitalized on the scenes given to them with appropriate performances. All the female cast members gave good performances as well. It’s really a pity their characters weren’t fully developed.

It wasn’t surprising that “Ben X Jim” had strong production technicals. Regal Entertainment Inc., a major film production company in the Philippines, produced this series. Production design, cinematography, sound engineering, musical scoring, and editing were unfailing. The soundtrack “Stars Align” by Sam Marquez featuring Swavesound was ok but it was a bit overplayed throughout the series.

All in all, I would definitely recommend rewatching “Ben X Jim.” If you’re looking for a well-made Pinoy BL series with outstanding acting performance and production technicals, “Ben X Jim” is a suitable series for you. While “Ben X Jim” was from the point of view (POV) of Ben, it seems that its second season, “B X J Forever,” will be from the POV of Jim. The second season is definitely something to watch out for!

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Good intensions gone bad

So, I had to quick rewatch 1-7 to be sure of my grading and yes, I can just barely give it a 7, actually I want to give it lower, but I keep it there.
Lets brake it down:

The story-flow begins good, then decent and eventually, downhill.
Sure, the story tocuhes some interesting delicate topics such as mental health, self-discovery, infidelity, death, covid-situation, identity crisis and domestical abuse; but perhaps they tried too hard to show too much?

So the characters:
The fact they put Yana and Leo, the exes as the biatches of the story, is just tad cliche. But I like the broken character Leo is. Finally something of the typical in BL-stories.

Olan- Oh Olan, the passive accepting sideline hero that was just there for decoration.
Or icing if some like him.
Yana is the typical rolls-eyes-bitch. No worth the screentime nor the ink..

Ben- Actually, he is quite broken and I like it. Imo, he is the utterly star, from episode 1-7. Acting was totally ok but the character was good.

Jim- Everything was just wrong with Jim. Even in his few heroic moments here and there, he was just an ass, to put it short.


Lets now bake this into a marvelous cake of mush, because it was like just that. It LOOKED wonderful, the idea was good, but excecution was like a cute loved one that cant cook for squat trying to bake.
You eat it anyway with a smile.
A for effort.

The OST was good though and there was plenty of eyecandies.

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Face paced, but super cute

I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I loved this series. For one, these concepts of people falling in love during one of the most difficult times in the world has to be just about the perfect "meant to be" moment ever. And yes, this series was one of those. Ben x Jim tells an enlightening story about first loves and following ones' true desire. While there were plenty of plot bumps and an absurd resolution, I still found myself being entertained to the fullest.

Let's Dive In.

The first episode didn't leave too much of a good impression. The pacing felt a little slow, and I felt like I wasn't able to understand the circumstances of the characters (other than they were in the middle of COVID) all too clearly. But from there, the pacing got better, until about the last episode, and everything just kind of spiraled. The resolution was too...perfect if that makes sense. I think I would've been better off had they just left off on them being separated and we see in a sequel or second season their relationship being revolved. It felt too Disney, I'll just put it that way. But given that it was only 7 episodes, I guess I can understand the rush in the end.

Let's get into the characters and their circumstances. So Ben is an interesting character to me. While I personally enjoyed Ben to the fullest, I wanted to see him stand his ground when it came to Leo; and even Jim. He got walked over way too many times, and I would've like to see him take initiation once in and a while. However, Teejay did an incredible job at portraying Ben, and I could see the pain behind his eyes when it came to seeing Jim with Yana and everything in between. Let's move on to Jim, who I wasn't too much of a fan of, however, Jerome did an excellent job at portraying him, but let's be honest, Jim is the last person that you should date for multiple reasons. One, his machoness and possesiveness was astronomical. If I were Ben, that would be a big red flag. I was hoping there would be some kind of conversation on how he could fix the way he spoke about Ben, but nope, nothing. Two, it was the audacity for him to continue being in a relationship with Yana and see Ben behind her back. It doesn't matter if he was going through trying to deal with these newfound feelings for Ben, he should've taken the steps with breaking up with Yana way before he tried persuing anything with Ben, because then it becomes cheating (which it was). Again, it just kind of goes back to Ben needing to take some initiative and see that that was wrong. But, Jim did have his good moments. My favorite scene were the confession moments between the two of them. It was done beautifully, and the dialogue was just perfect. Lastly, the use of the words, "wife" or, "wifey". It's disgusting to use those titles incorrectly and to a gay person. What about saying husband, or a more gender-neutrual terms like honey or baby? It's nit-picky things, but it was just too much crap for me to even really want him and Ben together.

I really loved Flo. She was too funny, and she added the perfect amount of comedic relief to this series. I wasn't too much of a fan of Ron's (Olan) acting, but I guess I liked the added plot of jealousy. I could see him and Yana happening from a mile away, and part of me liked them, but the other part of me didn't really care for them much. Moving onto the last character, Yana. Oh lord, someone help her, she was just too clueless, like there was just too many signs that Ben and Jim had something going on. Just one example was during their mini little get-together. The game they played? The karaoke? The way they were looking at each other? Just too much for her not to see. Yana was a likeable character until she realized that Jim liked Ben and became pretty homophobic. I can understand being hurt cause he lied, but there was no reason to go and say he was ruining his life and blah blah blah. So, I kind of just lost repesct after that.

The plot was pretty vague, but the drama between their families did add that special umph to the story. It was a bit of a surprise at the revelation of the situation, but it added a necessary conflict that felt missing. With that being said, the rest of the plot was of the ordinary, but I like simple concepts, so I'm not even mad.

Overall, the show was a nice watch, and a quick one too. Teejay and Jerome as well as the rest of the supporting cast members put on a really good performance. The ost was played repetitivley, which got pretty annoying, but for the most part, it was an alright song (Though, it sounded like something I'd hear while playing the Sims). The production was good, and the setting had a nice, natrual feel to it. I would definitely recommend if someone wants a quick watch.

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WORST BL EVER

I had my hopes bc I watched this after binging other Philippines series for 3 days . but this was utterly disappointing. they just put all the cliche stuff in thai bls together and added unnecessary drama .this story should have ended here bc it was already bad. the production probably earned money so they messed up the story to make second season. the plot twist was so funny ngl . THEIR FATHERS HAD AN AFFAIR!? SERIOUSLY??!? and jim's mom died bc she was depressed after finding out !?!?! WHERE DID THAT COME FROM LMAO.
just gonna give a heads up if you're still considering watching it. : in 2nd season , Ben is already dating someone else while Jim gave up everything (literally like his dad disowned him , lost the internet fame . everything.) just to be with him . broke Jim looks miserable . the side characters are messed up in life too . olan & Jim's ex go on foursome 💀

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It's a yes from me.

This BL is one that I really liked. I eagerly awaited new episodes every week, curious where the story was gonna go.

And I was not disappointed. Though it is a show I wouldn't necessarily rewatch, I really did enjoy it.

The history of Ben and Jim is really one that pulls on my heartstrings, especially for Ben. It is the typical "fell in love with my childhood best friend", but done well.

Leo's story also seriously pulled at the strings. As a person who has mental health issues themselves, I completely get wanting to use a person to find happiness. I also greatly appreciate Ben and Flo taking his mental health into account when thinking of what to do with him. They didn't go hard on him, but they did make him face the consequences of his actions.

Yana and Oland honestly deserve better. Yana was played by her boyfriend as well as his best friend. Olan was led on to believe he had a chance, and not even turned down properly. I truly hope they find a future together (kinda ship them).

Now, the way both Ben and Jim handled the situation wasn't perfect, but we have to remember that, even though fictional, they portray the behavior of real human beings. Those who make mistakes and learn from them.

This is why what Flo said is so important.
"Nothing in this world can ever set us free. Not love. Not peace. Not wealth. It's the truth. It's the only force as powerful as time itself."

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It's not perfect but has it's good points

It's not perfect but has it's good points. I just read a few other reviews and oh my God some are just unforgiving. Sometimes things that appear wrong are really art and expressionism. It's probably not the case here but it does help make the experience more enjoyable... and that's what it's all about. Right? My unsung hero from this series is OLAN. I almost wanted Ben to wind up with Olan. I also felt that Jim wanted more lines and more of a script to show his talents. The Ben character, well he certainly did a good job showing his feelings for Jim. The biggest plus was the ending and how they used Truth to settle all of the Drama was great. It's a very good ending message too, especially for young viewers. Theme song was very good but a bit overused. They could have made variations and expanded the life of the theme. It was a good tune though.

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Cute

Well, the ending left me kinda like "WTF?!" but was still worth the watch. Definitely gave a good ending to my Thanksgiving Day. lol I was worried at first that it would be sloppy and rushed since it only has 7 eps but it held together well. It was over all really cute even though it was a little basic. I've watched A LOT of BL so I've seen a good amount of things repeated. The Philippines have done well for itself in the BL world this year. I won't re-watch this but I still enjoyed it. Even though the chemistry could've been better, Ben brings all the visuals and Jim brings all the emotions.

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Must be seen with Season 2....then it is complete

I have deleted my old review of this series as I had an opportunity to re-watch it again along with Season 2. I will be the first to admit that I made a terrible mistake in my review. Sure, parts of it are banal and tropes are obvious but it all leads to a specular and astonishing season 2 that continues this tragic and sad love story. I looked at it as a BL while I should have viewed it simply as a love story. Season 2 corrected the mistakes of this one and with the both together have made a series of a love so deep that it created deep and perhaps lasting hurt.
Take the time to watch this AND season 2. Your perspective might change. Mine sure did. I am not ashamed to say that I initially got this all wrong.

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Not Happy about the CGI

The story was ok. I feel like there are too many BL lockdown dramas from the Philipines right now, and a lot of other dramas have done it much better.

What brought down the score was that CGI kiss at the end.

A lot of actors these days are willing to jump on the BL bandwagon to get famous or increase their popularity, but they're too straight to kiss a male? Yeah, that's sending the wrong message. Kissing is a part of acting. If they can't do it, don't think they should be taking the roles. The CGI kiss didn't even look real, and you could clearly tell it was fake.

Everything also felt rushed in the final episode.

PS

I might have to take back my review. I've been doing some research, and it seems that there's some kind of censorship for gay kisses on TV in the Philippines. A lot of BLs from major companies didn't feature them or found a way around it. Whereas something like My Day, I think that was only a webseries, and the production company was much smaller.

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Two soulmates condemned to suffering and oblivion

Imagine that you are completely happy with your partner, that you have built a common past with all the patience and complicity imaginable. Imagine that the myth of the better half has come true, the Japanese legend that assures us that there is someone linked to us by a red thread. Imagine that you finally found someone who was born to complement you.
Imagine that he is the only person on the planet who will understand you like no one has ever understood you, with whom you will merge in a love as deep as it is unimaginable. Imagine that you cannot conceive of a future apart, with a fence only between your house and that of the boy you have loved since adolescence, plans made, mutual friends. All perfect. However, one day a sad family secret that they both are unaware of catches up with them and turns everything upside down. Imagine that two soul mates are condemned to suffering and oblivion.
This is the premise of Regal Entertainment Inc.'s 2020 Filipino boy love (BL) romantic drama 'Ben .
Set in a period marked by the pandemic caused by Covid-19, the series follows the story of neighbors and childhood friends Ben and Jim, who lose contact after Jim moves to another city with his father after her mother's death.
Today, after 8 years, due to the restrictions generated by the new coronavirus, Jim will return to spend quarantine with his grandmother, Elma Magtibay (Christina Simon). In this way, friends reconnect and restart their friendship where they left off.
When two soul mates meet or are reunited, as is the case, a whirlwind of emotions and experiences are generated that serve as a sign of the undeniable connection that exists between them.
During that time, they had both lost contact and it is through his best friend, Flo (Kat Galang), that Ben realizes that Jim is a popular young man on social media. As the two friends reconnect their lives, Ben, the dumb boy who is insecure about himself and life, but more open about his sexuality, reveals to Jim that he is gay.
Jim, the sincere young man with the warm smile, is surprised at first. The strange discomfort between the two is evident. But soon Jim reacts and reassures him: "I'll support you in whatever makes you happy. I'll be there, like a friend."
But what Jim doesn't know is that Ben has been in love with him since his teenage years, and wants to be more than just "best friends."
The first season, told from Ben's point of view, begins with this young man narrating, euphorically, how Jim's return can mean that the two friends restart their friendship at the same point where they left it 8 years ago. From his prism, the series is dedicated to exploring how the relationship blossomed and how it withered.
Just as Ben and Jim begin to enjoy their courtship, the former's mother tells him a secret about his father that could affect Jim's confidence if he knew the truth. At the same time, her abusive ex-boyfriend also returns. Ben decides to break up with Jim without giving him any reason almost at the same time that Jim publicly confesses his love for Ben.
In histrionic terms, not everything is hunky-dory. The group of the most notable performers of the series is joined by Sarah Edwards in the role of Yana, Jim's girlfriend, with a performance lacking depth, and Ben's ex-boyfriend, Leo Portugués, is assumed from the most complete physical extremity. by Johannes Rissler.
Sticking to the rules of romantic drama, we have in 'BXJ' the character archetypes one can expect: the supportive best friend, Flo, and the respective third parties, Yana and Olan (Ronald Martin Angeles), the courier service boy. Their characterizations seem like stuffy formulas that fail to add interesting layers to the main story. The latter two fill the sad "broken people meet" role, and even with her own love life in the second season, Flo ends up stuck in the role of Ben and Jim's third wheel.
Starting from these central characters and situations, without deviating too much from the protagonists, the plot fully complies with some of the canonical rules of television melodrama, and is filled with secrets from the past, violent ex-boyfriends who return, the admirer, health mentality, the family history, the tumultuous relationship between father and son, jealousy, revenge, a layer of machismo and misogyny that in this case barely reaches the thickness of other Filipino series, in addition to other dominant elements, such as the relationship crisis, the fidelity, commitment, uncertainty, the emergence of the most devastating routine, couple experiments, and the challenges that come with being queer in today's world.
It validates the cinematographic staging with insistent and expressive camera movements and intelligent use of scenery and locations.
At this point, I must express my discomfort about the convenience with which Jim confesses his love for Ben in the sense that he goes from being a young heterosexual to being homosexual in an unconvincing and overly convenient way.
Easy Ferrer, director and screenwriter of the series, doesn't even try to put his narrative hero through that harrowing process of discovery and acceptance in slow-burn mode. This "transition" occurs too quickly, as something spontaneous and lacking in organicity.
Nor is it convincing that two such close friends would lose touch in this era of social media. After all, Jim was Ben's first love. How is it possible that they didn't exchange phones or follow each other in the digital world?
On the other hand, the way Ben literally forces Jim to fall in love with him is forced.
Ben's character is presented as someone who simply uses Jim for his own convenience. Ben knows his friend is straight, so making him feel bad about his sexuality is wrong. And similarly, it very conveniently turns out that Jim breaks up with his girlfriend.
The character played by Jerome Ponce can be a little inconsistent at times, especially when it comes to his feelings and emotions: Jim only treats Ben as his best friend, but there are many times where Jim's actions and words towards Ben hint the possibility of something more, such as calling him "wife", the furtive glances he periodically lavishes on him, saying that he will protect him or wanting to hug him and wanting to sleep next to him frequently.
The series revolves on the basis of friends to lovers. However, the story tends to become overly complicated or vary in intensity at times when we lose focus on the main characters. The narrative begins to lose cohesion in the first season due to the incorporation of new characters and conflicts, and the viewer loses sight of the main plot.
This situation is not resolved in the second season. Quite the contrary, it is exacerbated, with the introduction of even more secondary characters and subplots that contribute little or nothing to the main story.
With underdeveloped events, plots, and characters, some stories are also messy or inorganic.

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