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axdxex:
I really like Japanese BL's but I'd love to hear your take on why you don't enjoy them, because I know a lot of people feel that way.
There are some J-BL's I enjoy and are on my fav list, just not nearly as many as other countries. I have watched both BL & straight J-dramas, and the difficulties I have cover both, but maybe a little more leaning toward straight.
I'll share as respectfully as I can, with the reader understanding that my intent is not to look down or belittle another culture. And I may not be using the best words or description for my thoughts.
Most noticeable is the over the top acting, to a point it's almost comical, whether it's facial expression, the loud shouting voice or the slap stick physical motion of the actor. Instant turn-off.
Verbal communication with few words, but plenty of "heh?" and the viewer has to decipher what is meant by reading btw a few words, not sentences, lol. I understand the Japanese read facial cues between each other, but as a Westerner I would need a crystal ball.
When a character says "Heh?", I hear "What did you say?" so I'm thinking they are asking to repeat what was said. But of course that's not accurate. (I haven't figured out what it really means).
For lack of a better word I'll use the term "self abasement" to describe behavior where one person seems to have the role (often the female or the cute guy) of constantly apologizing, putting oneself down or feelings of humiliation or wrong-doing over a slight or insignificant detail. (in my Western mind). :-)
That may not be true, but I'm sharing my perception.
And on the other hand, that same character is also putting the opposite lead (maybe their crush) on a pedestal. They can do no wrong (usually the male) and every. little. thing. is noted and treated by the "abased" character as something very important. I don't know if that makes sense.
Overall though, if I like a J-drama storyline I'm more than willing to give it a go before judging or writing it off as no good.
It's pretty short, but here's my list of favorite J-dramas. It does include reality shows and I've seen some really good Japanese reality TV shows. Come to think of it, some of my very first Asian reality series was Japanese.