The Eighth Sense (2023)

A reflection on life

With influences to the production such as Skam and Skins, The Eighth Sense brings upon fairly common critiques on life and youth with unique qualities in a Korean drama. It essentially uses artistic elements and the surrounding atmospheres to introduce us to these characters, mainly in the perspectives of Jihyun and Jaewon.

The one issue I have is that while I firmly respect the directors' visions towards production, I can see why not everyone is able to follow the storyline cohesively during some parts. Whether it be abrupt scene changes, dreamlike blurriness to focus on the character, or "choppiness" in the editing, it's not a familiar usage (at least in my case) and thus had me confused.

With that said though, I truly enjoyed the experience of watching this series build all the way to the end. I loved that this series had a focus on the "human-ness" rather than just exclusively romance. These characters expressed their aspirations, struggles and relatable navigations that added more three-dimensionality than just "insert character here" for "insert scene". Obviously this feat couldn't have been done without the acting, which once again, shocks me as a lot of the cast seem to be very new in the acting world. They did a tremendous job in their roles. It's rare to find a drama that includes mental health in a very raw, respectful and realistic setting. Too many series I find tend to stereotype mental illness that it makes it difficult for me to watch a series that includes these themes. But in The Eighth Sense's case, the inclusion of mental health showcases the debilitating inner battles but also the outward support systems to show that one should not have to fight those battles alone, and they are worthy of seeking help. Though the production at times interrupted my enjoyment, I do have to say the intentional methods in which they light a scene to add onto the authenticity characters feel did have me audibly go "wow", because I could see the TLC in so many layers of the production. And of course, the gradual relationship between Jihyun and Jaewon hooked me into watching more and more. It felt so candid and typical, especially portrayed in early 20's, but there was a magic to their spark that grew into a flame fuelled by their love (I know, ridiculous and cheesy, but there's no other way to describe it). Though the fire was temporarily put out, there was still love in the eyes of these characters shown in different, subtle ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.

I appreciate the dedication the directors, writers, cast and everyone involved in this project put forth into making this beautiful series that went sneakily under our noses until the big trailer drop. By god I hope it doesn't go under the noses in terms of seeking something to watch in one's spare time, because this is an absolute, positive, MUST WATCH. Please support the cast and crew, watch this fantastic series, I doubt you'll regret it. A solid series.

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No doubt, one for the BL (LGBTQ+) books.

It may just be my opinion, but I've always felt there is a difference between BL shows and LGBTQ+ representative shows, and I feel like The Eighth Sense dipped into both genres, but definitely, and successfully, crossed the finish line in the latter.

It's been compared to SKAM in comments by many people, myself included, and as a fan of SKAM (multi), I can agree that 8th Sense resonates and has many parallels with it, but this show stands alone as well and had the grace to finish in a way that was satisfying as an ending, and yet leaves it open for a second season (if we should ever be so lucky).

As usual, I'll begin with the;

THE GOOD
- This show's story has RANGE, but not in that way where screen time is wasted taking us down deviating extra unnecessary character exploration which distracts from the point and causes frustration. Rather, we see many sides to many characters, and they all have a part to play toward the main story, but in a very succinct and definitive way, which adds perspective to the realistically unflowery plot; because life isn't all unicorns and cotton candy. However, the story remains focused on the developments and up and down romance of the leads, while also touching on the human condition and how difficult it can be to deal with and navigate and make sense of people, life and social norms. Even at the end of the last episode, we see the difference in temperament and personality between the entire group, but especially the two leads.

- The filming style is very much to my personal taste, and I'm not just talking about the use of angles, cuts and LUT, but the way the story is told in a way that keeps the viewer guessing about Jae Won and the state of his various relationships with the people around him. I also really appreciate the lack of suffocating music, in this show there is music where it should be, not all over the place, and the music is suitable. Additionally, there is also no obnoxiously, eye rolling and drawn out stares or lean ins between the two leads.

- I have zero complaints about the acting and certainly no complaints about the ML's chemistry with one another.

- The theme of surfing was utilized well, in that the show did not revolve around it, but instead we discovered Jae Won loves the ocean because it calms him, and the surfing theme was also used as a major plot device to develop the relationship between Jae Won and Ji Hyun. Very well executed in only 10 eps.

- This show has complicated but healthy conflict resolution relative to the circumstances, realistic problems between friends and non-friends, believable awkward, ugly, confusing and sad moments between people. Even the fact that Jae Won forgives Tae Hyung for the bullshit he pulled is believable, because people often struggle to cut bad people out of their lives, especially when they feel insecure about their own personalities, worth and feelings. And Jae Won's depression and hints of PTSD throughout was portrayed well without trying to overdo it, they introduced it with some mystery, and then even when it became clearer, it remained subtle but relevant. In fact, in all scenarios, I feel we saw and learned as much as we needed too to follow the story.

Honestly, I could say more, but really, the overall show was just fantastic in my opinion.

So there is no BAD or UGLY, but I will say;
People like Tae Hyung and Eun Ji are trash people, from the start they were jealous, rude, disrespectful, condescending, bitchy and self absorbed. Eventually Tae Hyung even became malicious in actively intending to get Jae Won suspended, and Eun Ji was revealed to be a flat out liar, clinging to Jae Won while blatantly lying about effing around on him just because she thought he didn't know. She was not sorry for being shitty, she was only sorry she was caught. Trash people my dudes. This show may depict the truth of how hard it is to shake them off, but honestly, trash people should be tossed out with the non-recyclables.

HIGHLIGHTS;
Jae Won and Ji Hyun's kiss in the ocean, a great depiction of how they were just looking for a reason to close that final distance between them.

Jae Won nervously joking when asking if Ji Hyun's boss would do something inappropriate to him.

JP and YW hooking up. I did not see that coming 😂


The Eighth Sense is something I would definitely recc watching, it's up there for me with SKAM (Norway/Belgium/France/DRUCK), Young Royals, Sense8, HIStory; Make Our Days Count, and Not Me in terms of shows that manage to touch on different issues and situations while still incorporating LGBTQ+ and great love stories that are well depicted.
I have no complaints about this show.

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The most beautiful and deep bl seen so far!

Perhaps words will not be enough to describe the emotions felt for this bl. I loved everything: the story, the cast, the osts, the dialogues, the colors and the care of every single detail.
The story is deep and deals with an important topic: depression.
The actors were extraordinary, I would even say magnificent in interpreting complex characters.
The colors are emblematic and perfectly represent the moods of the protagonists.
Wonderful music and osts.
Watching this bl was like taking a roller coaster ride of emotions; I felt joy, anger, sadness, happiness. My heart was pounding in some scenes and in others I felt like a punch in the stomach.
This bl is undoubtedly a small masterpiece because it is deep, touching and thoughtful.
It has become my favorite bl.

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Good BL story: original in its form with an artistic vision, hindered a bit by editing issues

This drama is more than a BL, it is a also a story about mental health, fear, trauma, growth and friendship....The romance is of course important but there are a lot of additional interesting topics approached by this series. I also appreciated to have a variety of female roles, not only bad-shit crazy woman stereotype but also sane and even good female parts.

I enjoyed the evolution of the main relationship within the plot. My main regrets are coming from the fact that some of the elements put in place over the course of the episodes (regarding the traumatic event faced by one of the character and his family, as well as the career topics and so on...) were left on-the-side and not really addressed by the end. I liked the attempt at life-lesson from the show but I was also a bit frustrated by the conclusion as there was some undeserved forgiveness warranted to some shitty characters.

Regarding the casting, I found the chemistry between the two males lead quite good but not necessarily sizzling hot. Still, they felt comfortable in the most intimates scenes (much less platonic than the ones in common South Korean BL story) and they made their relationship really believable. Both are a bit outshined by the secondary cast which does an amazing job in emotional but also fun scenes...Those secondary roles carried in a way the plot: some were showcasing the best of friendship and love, while some were the worst of it, and it was really well-acted overall.

The atmosphere of the series with its almost muted colours and tones, as well as its sensitive OST, set the show apart artistically-speaking. It is a bit unequal in terms of production quality: there are some beautiful filmmaking and directing but at the same time some strikingly odd editing choices (between the episodes and even sometimes between scenes). The shift between sequences can feel a bit erratic and jumpy, with the viewer not being sure how the characters reach directly point B from point A...

I would recommend this to people looking for an interesting and artistic BL story set in a university background with some surfing. If you enjoyed drama such as "I Told Sunset About You", it might bring you similar feelings.

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