Choco Milk Shake (2022)

The execution is not the scandalous nature the premise suggests

The way that Milk and Choco's respective cat and dog personalities are translated very well into their human forms. I really like how it's just the particular fixations like they way they stare at Jung Woo or like to play with strings that are kept rather than moving around on all fours, meowing, and barking like other stories do. They are in human bodies, grown adults, and fully articulate and understanding of the culture and has understandings of human social norms which Milk is way better at following than Choco in certain situations. The longer they are in the human realm and as they are more acclimated as individual human beings, only then do they start developing feelings towards their respective love interests other than what they had as pets.

It's really great to see Yeon Seung Ho appear as a guest star. He was one of the leads of Strongberry's Long Time No See, their action romance drama, their strongest and my favorite of their productions to date. It's one of the OG korean bl dramas with a positive ending as they are today, a huge turning point that deserves more recognition.

Though the episodes are short, the pacing of the scenes are a bit slow. The stakes could have been explained a bit better, like what exactly does "disappearing" consist of, does it mean their souls will disintegrate forever? How do they know they had 50 days on earth? At first I thought they were rounding up from 49 days, but then they come back for double the amount of days. I feel like the ending was fine as it is for this story, though if there's a season 2, it would be nice if they could elaborate clearer on for what the stakes that Milk and Choco are dealing with.

Read More

An Enchanted BL Series

I’m not a fan of magical rainbows and unicorns in BLs especially when it comes to school BLs. Oftentimes, there is no rhyme or reason for these underdeveloped series due to lazy writing. However, this series is so fleshed out and interesting. In the context of a fairytale, I can get behind this magical series.

Prepare to be enchanted by "Choco Milk Shake," a heartwarming and imaginative series that takes you on a journey beyond the Rainbow Bridge. The story begins with Jung Woo, a young man who lives alone, still haunted by a tragic accident that robbed him of everything he loved, including his beloved pets, Choco the dog, and Milk the cat. However, destiny has a delightful surprise in store for Jung Woo when two handsome strangers, claiming to be Choco and Milk reincarnated in human form, knock on his door one fateful evening.

The portrayal of the uncle as the love interest for Milk, the cat, adds a delightful and unexpected twist to the storyline. Their growing affection for each other is heartwarming and beautifully depicted, creating a unique and endearing relationship dynamic that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating each interaction between them.

One of the series' true highlights is how flawlessly both Choco, the dog, and Milk, the cat, maintain their animal traits while adapting to their human forms. The attention to detail in showcasing their distinct personalities and characteristics as human versions of themselves is nothing short of perfection. Choco's journey of falling for Jung Woo as a person and not just an oversized fluffy dog is both charming and heart-tugging, adding depth to his character and the overall narrative.

The dynamics between the uncle and Milk are a delightful exploration of how love can blossom unexpectedly and with surprising results. The progression of their relationship, from initial indifference of Milk for the uncle to his eventual realization of his feelings for uncle, is both genuine and captivating. Their subtle and heartfelt interactions speak volumes, leaving viewers eagerly rooting for their romance to bloom.

As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the realms of friendship and love, as Jung Woo, Choco, and Milk rediscover the warmth and affection they longed for since their heartbreaking separation. Their journey together reveals new dimensions to their relationships, making the series all the more enthralling and emotionally resonant.

With the end first season, the anticipation for season 2 with the uncle and Milk grows exponentially for fans. The ending showcasing of their feelings and the potential for further development in their relationship leaves me eagerly waiting to see what lies ahead for this delightful pair.

In conclusion, "Choco Milk Shake" is a remarkable series that masterfully blends fantasy, romance, and the unconditional love between humans and their furry companions. With a perfect balance of heartwarming moments, genuine character development, and captivating storytelling, this series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt and enchanting experience. Prepare to fall in love all over again with Choco, Milk, and the human world they have embraced, creating a unique and unforgettable tale of love, friendship, and the magic that connects us all.

Read More

A rom com, that is actually funny, and clever.

If you have ever owned a dog or a cat as a family pet you get the humour in this, there is nothing more funny or appealing than your furry best friend. If you have not had a furry bestie, you may not get all the observational humour.
It's the type of comedy that in less subtle hands could be cringe worthy, but it's not, it's under played. Beautifully shot and directed, there is a story, but it's not too heavy, and the short format means it moves along,
The casting is a huge part in this drama success, the actors really caught those core looks, that our devoted but often extremely annoying friends give us.
I think it's a definitely a cheer you up rewatch.

Read More

Good For the Light, Casual Viewer

There's very little focus on actual romance in this series. It's a sweet story. It's quirky and cute, and about the length of a long movie.

It's nice to see a nonstandard storyline with pets coming back as humans, and they don't make it weird.

The production value suffers a bit from being a short web series released on Youtube with few or no extras acting in the background and sometimes lacks a quiet soundtrack where a higher end production would easily have it. The silent scenes without music sometimes took me out of the experience, so there's definitely an indie or college production feel.

I'd say this series is a "PG rated" BL for Disney lovers. It has that chaste feel where they talk about love rather than show it in the way most BL fans hope for.

There's no serious story or overdramatics. It's simple and nice to have on for a break between those series that leave you reeling.

Read More

Unconventional Love Story

The production quality of the series is very impressive, with excellent attention to detail in every aspect. The acting is particularly noteworthy, as I absolutely loved how the characters were portrayed, especially the seemingly genuine relationships between the protagonist and his pets. The actors did a great job bringing out the emotional depth of those interactions, making the bond between the character and his 'pets' feel authentic and relatable. The 'pets' themselves were portrayed with remarkable accuracy, embodying the distinct characteristics of a cat and dog perfectly, which added to the overall believability of the story. Additionally, the soundtrack complemented the tone of the series and was genuinely enjoyable, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of the scenes.

Once you come to terms with the idea that the pets are deceased and the protagonist has a romantic connection with his dog, the series becomes quite enjoyable.

Read More

CUTE ROMANCE!

I'm so happy to have discovered this adorable BL series. I love everything here, the storyline, the acting, the casts. I really enjoyed watching it. I had rewatched it already and I plan to watch it over and over again. Oh, and I really need to say this.. those intimate scenes is so perfect... hot and romantic, I really love it. It only have short episodes but it had many spices included in it making it very interesting and quick to watch. The male leads are also very handsome and their chemistry with each is really obvious. It's really entertaining and cute to watch, fluffy and funny... you'll surely love every episode.

Read More

A Masterpiece. Give Me More!

I literally avoided the first episode for a while because I saw the animal to human thing and just knew I would hate it.

This story is so well told. It's heartwarming, romantic, funny, sexy, a little dramatic... All the things. And even with the episodes being so short it feels like all of this is integrated into the story effortlessly.

Let's talk about how there's only 4 cast members. THEY ARE ALL FINE. Lol and the way Choco and Milk are played is soooo good. The nuances of those characters gets me every time. It's just a joy to watch. The chemistry between the actors is great.

This is my favorite BL right now and I just wish there was more of it lol

Can't wait to see what happens and I swear this better not make me sad at the end.... ?

Read More

Loss and acceptance of it, themes of the series

Imagine that you have a dog and a cat as pets that have accompanied you since you were a child. Suppose that one day they return to the world of the living, in human forms, after having died, along with your parents, in an accident, with the purpose of giving you company and making you happy. Imagine that you only have a hundred days to spend with them before they must leave again. Suppose that during that period you fall in love with your human-dog. Represent yourself that you will surely have to wait two years for a new reunion, due to the difficulty of traveling between the afterlife and the world of the living.
From this premise, Ahn Ji Hee, the South Korean film director, creates, in 'Choco Milk Shake', the miniseries of 11 episodes of about 15 minutes each, a magical story with a dreamlike aura that creates a moving and pleasant visual experience.
It all begins when a cat and a dog cross the Rainbow Bridge and return to the world of the living in human forms. They go in search of Jung Woo (Go Ho Jung), their owner, a young bachelor who lives alone. When he was twenty years old, a fatal accident took away everything he loved: he lost not only his parents, but also his dog and cat, Choco (Lee Jae Bin) and Milk (Kim Seong Hyuk), respectively.
One night, after returning home from a long day of work at her uncle's (Park Seung Bin) cafe, two handsome strangers knock on her door. To your disbelief, they claim to be Choco and Milk! He doesn't believe them, but Choco and Milk prove their identities by sharing memories that only Jung Woo can know as the pets' owner. This is how Jung Woo realizes that the strange visitors are indeed his two beloved companions from childhood and youth, reincarnated in human form.
A question arises in the viewer from the moment they understand what the series is about: Will Choco and Milk manage to develop human feelings and emotions?
With the cute and clingy dog-human Choco and the more restrained cat-human Milk settled comfortably in Jung Woo's house, the three will once again enjoy the warmth and affection that united them in the past. However, the clash between these four beings will bring new dimensions to the resumption of their life together and surprising discoveries in the areas of friendship and love.
Despite his surprise and confusion, Jung Woo quickly and easily adapts to a warm and cozy lifestyle with his inseparable friends. They bond, create memories and happy moments, and in the process develop feelings that go beyond friendship.
I will answer the question: The story will take legitimately dramatic turns when love and friendship take center stage. The series makes the most of the affection and affection established from the beginning, to legitimize the emotional and romantic twists that appear later.
Choco will be for Jung Woo and Milk for Uncle, the perfect couples, achieving vibrant chemistry between them. Don't forget: The adorable characters and their endearing personalities are the strong points of Choco Milk Shake.
Although the events, romances and stories (for example, how pets become humans or Jung Woo's past), are not developed in depth, this fantasy drama surprises because it is much more than it appears. What begins as a light, fun and adorable story becomes an emotional love letter to pets, their role in our lives and, above all, the importance of saying goodbye in order to continue.
Had the details been developed, 'Choco Milk Shake' would be a more finished, polished series, with a more convincing story.
Rather than focusing on the romantic aspect, 'Choco Milk Shake' deals with the topic of loss and acceptance of the same in a warm way.
With a cast possessing individual charms and wonderful chemistry, the direction, cinematography and writing transport the viewer to a dream and fairy tale universe. The narrative, hinting at the continuation of the series in the future, maintains a good rhythm that enhances the emotionally bittersweet closure, due to the new separation, but the hope of a new reunion.
Jung Woo, the sensitive, soft-spoken boy with a kind heart, who after the tragedy has lost the joy of living, regains his joy and happiness after his reunion with Choco and Milk. But soon his heart will tremble again when he discovers that they both have a limited time on earth. But this will only serve as an excuse for a second season.
And it is there, in the moments of transition from happiness to sadness in the face of the imminent new loss due to the inevitable separation, piercing the most sensitive fiber, when 'Choco Milk Shake' shows its strength and the beauty of the work, thanks to the performances.
STRONGBERRY's first fantasy romance web drama series BL web drama won several awards at the first K-Web Drama Award (KWDA) in Dangjin. At the event, which seeks to celebrate the excellence of Korean web dramas and highlight the unique storytelling and creativity of each creator, director Ann Ji Hee won the Culture of Odyssey award, and production company Matchbox was selected as a of the 12 best winners of the Spotlight selection. For their part, the lead actors also won an acting award.

Read More

Choco Milk Shake: A Sweet and Whimsical Treat

Choco Milk Shake by Strongberry is a charming and unique addition to the Korean BL scene. Known for their well-crafted short films and series, Strongberry takes a leap with this full-length series, and it doesn't disappoint. The show aired from October 25, 2022, to December 20, 2022, and features 11 episodes written by Ahn Ji Hee.

The premise is delightfully whimsical: Jung Woo (Ko Ho Jung) is a young man who has faced profound loss—his parents and his beloved pets, Choco the dog and Milk the cat, all died in a tragic accident. Fast forward to the present, and Jung Woo is living a solitary life until one evening, two strangers knock on his door. To his shock, they claim to be the reincarnated versions of Choco (Lee Jae Bin) and Milk (Kim Seung Hyuk). The series then follows this peculiar trio as they navigate their renewed life together, blending light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones.

From the get-go, the series captures attention with its cute and quirky concept. The first episode leaves you with many questions, particularly about how a dog and cat could return as fully functional humans. While it takes a while for the show to provide answers, it remains engaging throughout.

The portrayal of Choco and Milk is particularly noteworthy. Both characters retain distinct traits from their animal pasts, adding a layer of humor and charm to the series. Thankfully, the show avoids overdoing these characteristics, striking a balance between their animalistic quirks and human behaviors.

The chemistry among the characters is another strong point. The romance develops naturally, with feelings growing gradually and convincingly. However, the series does a brilliant job of exploring themes beyond just romance, touching on loss, acceptance, and the different ways individuals cope with grief. The actors, especially Lee Jae Bin and Kim Seong Hyuk, deliver performances that are both convincing and endearing, embodying their roles with a depth that elevates the story.

Production-wise, the series is impressive, although there are moments, particularly early on, where the setting feels a bit too empty, detracting from the realism. Fortunately, this issue is addressed as the plot progresses, tying it into the story in a clever way.

Overall, Choco Milk Shake is a delightful watch that blends light-hearted fun with moments of emotional depth. Despite its short length, it manages to deliver a well-rounded and satisfying narrative, making it a standout in the Korean BL genre. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch, and it leaves you wanting more—a testament to its charm and the quality of Strongberry’s storytelling.

Read More

What a delightful surprise!

First things first: The acting is out of this world. I couldn't believe how *ALL* of both reincarnated pet characters' mannerisms-- down to even the tiniest, most subtle details!-- were absolute *perfection.* They were *exactly* what it would be like if someone really was 100% human, yet still also had a 100% cat or dog personality at the same time. I'm not joking here when I say that this is literally the best embodiment of this concept by actors that I have ever seen. They were phenomenal in these roles (and must have had tons of fun while filming, too! ?), and I cannot praise that highly enough.

Secondly: As a pet owner who has unfortunately also had to go through the experience of having a family member go across the rainbow bridge, episodes 3 (Milk's reassurances to Jungwoo) and 10 (basically the whole ep., yeah you know why) just made me absolutely weep. ??

And thirdly: Episode 11? Perfection. This show first broke me and then it healed me in the best possible way.

TL;DR: I went into this expecting a slightly silly + mostly sweet magical romance, and while I certainly got that to start with, I then got unexpectedly punched deep in my feels... and then given the best warm hug afterwards. ???

I wouldn't *quite* put this at 'masterpiece'-level overall (and that's my personal criteria for giving out a full 10 rating), which is why my rating for this is currently sitting *just* below that at a 9.5; but I must admit that this managed to touch my emotions so deeply that, even now, I am still wavering on giving it that final half-star and making it a 10 regardless.

Obviously, highly recommended. ?

Read More