10/10 Beautiful So honoured (and surprised) to be the first to review. This is a must watch. After over a hundred regular Kdramas, il felt like I had seen everything that was worth it. So I set for a BL marathon, as I really love the genre. I think I've watched like fifteen so far and this one was the best. Way better than Color Rush or To My Star, that I didn't like at all, despite their good reviews. This one was well crafted, with a.simple but efficient plot and it churned me to tears. Such a cruel fate. Such a beautiful love. This will stay with me. Thanks you. Keep up the good work and fear not, the genre will flourish, I can tell.
This one feels like a love song you stumble upon late at night… gentle, a little sad, but strangely comforting 🎹✨
Happy Merry Ending follows Seung Jun, a struggling singer carrying quiet wounds, and Jae Hyun, a pianist whose life seems perfectly composed on the surface. When their worlds collide through music, what starts as coincidence slowly turns into something softer, deeper… and a little fragile.
The drama leans heavily into that cozy, almost dreamy atmosphere. Everything feels intimate: the music sessions, the conversations, even the silences. It’s not trying to overwhelm you with plot twists or dramatic chaos. Instead, it focuses on healing. On two people learning how to open up again, even when the past still lingers like an unfinished melody.
That said, the story plays it very safe. If you’re looking for intense conflict or emotional breakdowns, you might find it a bit too smooth, almost like it’s afraid to fully dive into darker territory. The stakes stay low, and some moments feel rushed, especially considering how much emotional depth the characters could have explored.
But there’s still something undeniably warm about it. The chemistry is soft, the music adds an emotional layer that words sometimes don’t reach, and the overall vibe is comforting in a quiet, almost healing way.
💭 In the end, Happy Merry Ending is exactly what its title promises: a gentle journey toward a happy ending. Not explosive, not unforgettable in a dramatic sense… but sweet enough to leave you with a small, sincere smile.
10/10 This is very good. I was attracted by the trailer at the beginning, and the actors in it were all very beautiful. And the characters in it are also very attractive to me. Chi Yuanying is a lively, sunny and courageous boy. He is like an energetic puppy, illuminating the life of another protagonist, and also illuminating mine during the drama. Every character is full, which won't make people feel that the story is empty, and everyone doesn't just exist for the protagonist group. In this story, every love deeply touched my heart. I watched it carefully and cried for their beautiful love every day. I hope my comments will attract everyone to watch the play. It's really nice. I hope everyone will come and see it.
10/10 Light and pleasing As always, the casting of the team never let down. I sticked to the series 50% for the good looking actors, 25% for the surprises in each episodes, 25% for the smooth storytelling. Everything in this series was pleasing, from color to sounds, visually and auditorily 10/10 I'm looking forward for this team to produce a normal length bl series.
10/10 my fav bl l've watched all the Korean BLs, but none have touched me the way this one did. Everything was so beautiful-l was captivated by every single scene. l've always loved simple, realistic stories without exaggerated drama, and A Breeze of Love delivered that perfectly. It breaks my heart that it's so underrated. I wish I could make the whole world watch them. The cinematography, the acting, the breathtaking chemistry between the couple, the warmth of the story-they all wrapped around me like a soft embrace. Everything felt so right. For a Korean BL, they managed to fit the story beautifully into the episode lengths. I genuinely don't understand the ones who didn't like it or thought it was lacking. Even if the story was simple, the way it was told and the raw sincerity of the couple made it perfect. There was a poetic soul in it. I fell in love with Dongwook's words: 'I'm glad the person I saw when I woke up from a beautiful sleep was you.' 'Whether it's my sleepless nights or my rain-like love, you are the answer to all my problems, Dohyun.' These lines felt so warm and real, I completely lost myself in them. The way they looked at each other was pure magic-l found myself lost in their gaze. Even now, I keep rewatching it. I miss them so much that I run back to them over and over. If you're looking for something warm, comforting, peaceful-a story where love can be felt in just a single look-this is the one. I love them with all my heart. They'll always be in the number one spot for me, holding the most beautiful place in my heart
10/10 Japan's LGBT Gem Call Me by No Name completely caught me off guard, in the best way possible. I went in expecting something soft and cute (which it totally is!), but I didn't expect it to wreck me emotionally too. This is the first Japanese LGBT series that truly hit home for me. It's warm, tender, and has so many small, lovely moments that made me grin nonstop. The way the characters grow close feels so real and intimate, like watching something gentle bloom. But then... the conflict hit, and wow. I was shocked. My heart genuinely dropped. The two lead actresses were phenomenal. So natural. So raw. They carried every scene with grace and feeling, and I'm honestly still thinking about them. This series isn't loud or flashy, it's quiet, emotional, and so beautifully made. It'll stay with me for a long, long time. Bravo to everyone involved. You created something really meaningful.
10/10 Love or hate it. I adored it As in many Japanese storytelling, this felt real, with many many layers and subtleties. In my experience Japan is never afraid to go outside the box with flawed characters and dark tropes, or tell a story others might not be brave enough to. The acting is superb, and the character complexities are subtle. I can see why the boldness of narration in this story might trigger people to be mad and leave a lower rating, but sticking with this show to the end, looking behind a character's exterior to the emotions lying underneath each interaction, will bring all its light and beauty to the forefront. As I read recently, you'd rather a piece of art provoke 1* and 10*s than all 5*s. As with reality, people are flawed. There are misunderstandings, nerves and social pressure getting in the way of honest communication, weird and creepy sides to us we rather others not see, insecurities and a lack of awareness of our own shortcomings. If you want an escape from reality with fluffy characters and story, this isn't it. Personally I find happy stories off-putting unless there's a journey to get there. These are people you might be able to relate to that we can empathize with. Lighting, scenery, and settings all play a part in feeling enclosed within their story and evoking our senses. The subtleties behind the conversations, but also the tones of voice, the expressions - they stick with you to the point where I think rewatching you would pick up on so much more. There's probably more I could say, but I hope you give it a go. It deserves the spotlight. I'm a sucker for subtle art, one that doesn't feel pressured to scream to the masses, one where the characters are followed through properly. 10/10, go watch it Looking forward to the movie.
10/10 YECHAN AMAZING ACTING AND THEIR GREAT CHEMISTRY ARE EVERYTING! At first i just watch this series without any huge expectations at all. Cause there is no kissing scene (of course because they are both in the same group). But after like 4 episodes i start to enjoy the series more and now i become their biggest fans! Their acting was so good, remembering that this was their first time as an actor. Especially Yechan's acting skill, he is so talented and super duper handsome. The storyline was good and better than the manhwa. The ost was so good. And the cinematograpy also good. The bad review for me is the rush in the last part of ep 6 and ep 7. I hope there will be season 2 to explore their love story and character more deep ^^
10/10 True Love probably looks like this... This story draws you in, feels realistic and not like a Hollywood "tear jerker" or romantic fantasy. Two outsiders meet by chance, friendship evolves into love, of course with challenges ahead. The couples connection feels authentic. Issues of social and family expectations also evolve. But doesn't love involve a range of emotions and introduce many new experiences, adding to life's colour and adventure? But is "true love" really different to other forms of love? If such construct could be reality based, I suspect this story portrays something like it. Love cannot be measured objectively and yet it is a very real experience for many/most of us; perhaps life's greatest adventure! Life on the line is a terrific metaphor used by this film. It totally captivated me and left me feeling I had just experienced something wonderful; 10/10!
10/10 Perfection in every scene I've watched 100s of BL dramas, by far The secrets happened on the litchi island will always be my favorite. Realistic, beautiful and coming of age story which will give you fresh vibes of nature and blossoming love. Both the characters have a really good chemistry. Every kiss they have on screen feels too real. The show got 7 main episodes and 13 extra episodes. I didn't have much expectations watching a series made by a team of 6 students, but it turns out they've created a masterpiece which can't be left unseen. Consider episode 7 as the end of the story, a real happy ending but episode 13 shows a different ending, a sad one. Though you won't care much about the ending once you understand the metaphors of the series.
10/10 Absolutely beautiful I love this drama so freaking much. It reminded me a lot of my beautiful man. Just their dynamic is absolutely everything. It was so sweet to watch them. I love how the guy was obsessed with marbles. How he could see the beauty of the world upside down. How he collected them. I love it so much. Now I wanna start collecting marbles. It was such a beautiful drama, really. So wholesome, no toxic. Although sure I love toxic, there's times where it is not needed. Their relationship isn't toxic at all and I cannot express how much I love it. Especially how they showed what jealousy feels like too. Love this drama so much.
10/10 What a beautifully told story This is not a traditional BL, though the main actor is known as a BL actor. This is an artfully told, highly emotional, incredibly introspective story about complex humans and relationships. The acting was flawless. You could feel the emotion that went with the script. All the symbolism was connected and not overdone or far fetched. I found the characters to be very relatable given their backstory, and could empathize with all of them. The other reviews are more verbose and descriptive, but l will tell you to bring your tissues, and make sure you are emotionally ready for an emotional journey you won't forget.
When I compiled the list of my 15 favourite BL series of 2022, I was astonished that only one Japanese show had made it into that list (Eien no kinou / Eternal Yesterday"). So when I wrote my review of the fantastic season 2 of "Utsukushii Kare / My Beautiful Man" a few weeks ago, ! didn't expect there would soon come another Japanese BL series that could compete with it, but I was wrong. Today is the last day of the first quarter of 2023, and there have already been two more great Japanese series, "The End of the World with You", and now "Jack O'Frost" which in my subjective opinion may be the best BL series I have seen so far. I won't spoil too much of the plot here, because for those who have already watched it, that won't be necessary, and to all those who haven't watched it, I would advise them to find out themselves, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed. This is basically an "amnesia story", and by mere coincidence there are two series revolving around this topic airing at the same time - "Jack O'Frost" and the Thai series "Love Syndrome III". Whereas the Thai series has bad writing, directing, and acting, and the only thing everybody is waiting for is Lee Long Shi taking off his shirt, the only thing I have to complain about when it comes to "Jack O'Frost" is the fact that we had to wait two long weeks for the final episode to air. "Jack O'Frost" is the love story of two attracting opposite characters, creative and talented artist Ritsu (Honda Kyoya) and salesman Fumiya (Suzuki Kosuke). When Fumiya feels left behind in his relationship with Ritsu, he breaks up with him, and Ritsu has an accident the very same day which makes him lose his memory of Fumiya. Fumiya tries to help Ritsu regain his memory by taking him to familiar places, but he doesn't tell him about their relationship and break-up. So when they fall for each other again, their new love is based upon a lie which of course must go wrong. I'll only reveal one more thing about the plot here - there's a happy ending, but the way to that point is rocky and full of pain. When I said that this may be the best BL series I've ever watched, it must be perfection or at least near perfection in any respect, and I think it really is. The writing is brilliant, because it cautiously displays the way these two very different characters become lovers. I usually don't like flashbacks, because all too often they are just there to fill some more minutes of screentime without taking the story ahead, but here it is different. There are many flashbacks which show the viewer bit by bit how Ritsu and Fumiya's relationship developed, and as the series is about Ritsu trying to regain his memory, it's logical not to tell the story chronologically, but showing glimpses of the past that finally make up the complete story. The next perfect element is the acting which is closely connected to the directing of the show. I have rarely seen two actors who are able to express their characters' deep love of each other so naturally - sometimes there is so much love in Honda's eyes that they could make the arctic ice melt. But their quarrels appear equally realistic, actually so realistic that it hurts watching them. The scene that leads up to Fumiya's breaking up with Ritsu is maybe the most natural lovers' argument ever shown in a BL series. There were scenes where I found myself holding my breath because I felt it would reveal to Ritsu and Fumiya that someone was watching them, and it would disturb them if I did breathe. Honda and Suzuki (I know this sounds funny, but, sorry, these are their names) succeeded in drawing the viewer into their story, so it felt like I was being part of what was going on on the screen. Then there is the cinematography that makes this series a masterpiece. Many scenes are set in semi-darkness, or the vision even seems to be blurred, mirroring Ritsu's limited memory of the past. The most beautiful and at the same time most expressive scene comes towards the end of the final episode, when Ritsu is sitting in their favourite café after he has moved out of Fumiya's flat, and the window is iced over. Then the ice slowly melts, and we see Fumiya standing outside the café looking at Ritsu. Even the title of this show is a brilliant choice. Jack O'Frost (or simply Jack Frost) is a personification of cold weather in ancient Scandinavian mythology, and is often seen as a bad character whose negative influence disappears in Spring when the weather gets warmer. The main plot of this show is set in winter, and the scene with the frost on the café's window mentioned above symbolizes the end of the cold period, and thus the new beginning of Ritsu and Fumiya's love. The background music completes the perfection of this series, because it sensitively accompanies the action without ever being obtrusive. All in all, Japan has given us another beautiful series which is proof once again that it doesn't need 13 episodes of 60 minutes to tell a complex story and make the viewer impatiently wait 7 long days for another short episode of 25 minutes to air. Country: Japan Episodes: 7 (à 25 mins.) Directors: Yasukawa Yuka, Takahashi Natsuki Cast: Honda Kyoya, Suzuki Kosuke et al.
8/10 Worth the watch I think it's a good, innocent story with a simple plot like that could be expanded and have drama added but for a short bl story I think it was fun watching but if you want a detailed, long, and dramatic bl story I don't think this one is for you. Although I don't think they ever kissed they did have touchy moments as well as cringy moments, I think the characters were good as well as the actors and there's nothing to trash on this show with. Although I can't trash on the Tv show I wouldn't consider it my top ten neither would I watch this again but i would recommend this to others who like stories like this.
7110 Typical story which could have had a better execution I was really liking this show with the first few eps but the vibe started dying with time. It was a decent show but if you wanna go for a KBL there are a lot more better than this one. The acting was decent but the story felt lacking to me. Overall, this is a series you can watch if you're really wanting to otherwise it is a pass.
10/10 Brilliant performance I truly loved this movie. The performance was outstanding. The music was amazing. I honestly wish to see a sequel or at least a series from the two main characters Kang In Soo and Sang Lee. They work very well together. I'd like to applaud the directors, the cast and the whole team for making such an emotionally capturing film. You did a great job everyone!! I wish I could have the opportunity to meet you in person to just say that l am truly your fan. With all my love and support. I wish you the best.
10/10 Loved it...a first in Korean web dramas to openly and lovingly explore BL Though I was left with some unanswered questions (Kang Gook background and how he came to be a bodyguard, why Tae Joo took his time) I really loved this short drama and got emotionally involved with their developing bromance into a love story. Killer chemistry, good acting by both, good scripting, good editing (but a bit annoying OST). from Tae Joo willingness to explore and understand his confusing feelings, to Kang's reluctance to face the inevitable, we have a beautiful coming of age story. As others wrote, I wish we had more time with them but ..! would love to see a special episode showing their more mature selves and how they dealt with Tae Joo's father. Anyway, highly recommended. If you liked this series there is another Korean BL gem, a beautiful movie called "As if you whisper".
10/10 The perfect high school BL series This is what a good high school BL series should be like - it shows in a very sensitive and loving way the coming of age and coming out of 4 young men, with all the smaller and bigger disasters people at that age have to face. Directed by the same director as "Make Our Days Count" ", it avoids most of the annoying tropes of the genre, and all the four leads (Shen Jyun as Xu Qi Zhang, Li Zhen as Ye Guang, Andy Huang as Jian, and my very extra special Hsu Shuo as Ray Ray, who looks great as a crossdresser) are talented actors and super cute. The OST is the best of any BL series of 2022. I have watched this series 4 times already, and I'll watch it again.
10/10 One of the best Japanese BLs If you don't just look for fluff while watching a series, this is for you. Utsukushii kare is a beautiful journey that will make us realize a lot that we don't. Even though I know a lot of people who did not really understand the depth that is portrayed in the series, I think it was very heartwarming and realistic. Both the characters beautifully written and acted so so well. The story will slowly grow on you and will make you dread for more from them, which I'm not sure about as this is adapted from a novel. Acting 10/10 Story 10/10.
So honoured (and surprised) to be the first to review. This is a must watch. After over a hundred regular Kdramas, il felt like I had seen everything that was worth it. So I set for a BL marathon, as I really love the genre. I think I've watched like fifteen so far and this one was the best. Way better than Color Rush or To My Star, that I didn't like at all, despite their good reviews. This one was well crafted, with a.simple but efficient plot and it churned me to tears. Such a cruel fate.
Such a beautiful love. This will stay with me. Thanks you.
Keep up the good work and fear not, the genre will flourish, I can tell.
Happy Merry Ending follows Seung Jun, a struggling singer carrying quiet wounds, and Jae Hyun, a pianist whose life seems perfectly composed on the surface. When their worlds collide through music, what starts as coincidence slowly turns into something softer, deeper… and a little fragile.
The drama leans heavily into that cozy, almost dreamy atmosphere. Everything feels intimate: the music sessions, the conversations, even the silences. It’s not trying to overwhelm you with plot twists or dramatic chaos. Instead, it focuses on healing. On two people learning how to open up again, even when the past still lingers like an unfinished melody.
That said, the story plays it very safe. If you’re looking for intense conflict or emotional breakdowns, you might find it a bit too smooth, almost like it’s afraid to fully dive into darker territory. The stakes stay low, and some moments feel rushed, especially considering how much emotional depth the characters could have explored.
But there’s still something undeniably warm about it. The chemistry is soft, the music adds an emotional layer that words sometimes don’t reach, and the overall vibe is comforting in a quiet, almost healing way.
💭 In the end, Happy Merry Ending is exactly what its title promises: a gentle journey toward a happy ending. Not explosive, not unforgettable in a dramatic sense… but sweet enough to leave you with a small, sincere smile.
I was attracted by the trailer at the beginning, and the actors in it were all very beautiful. And the characters in it are also very attractive to me. Chi Yuanying is a lively, sunny and courageous boy. He is like an energetic puppy, illuminating the life of another protagonist, and also illuminating mine during the drama. Every character is full, which won't make people feel that the story is empty, and everyone doesn't just exist for the protagonist group. In this story, every love deeply touched my heart. I watched it carefully and cried for their beautiful love every day. I hope my comments will attract everyone to watch the play. It's really nice. I hope everyone will come and see it.
As always, the casting of the team never let down.
I sticked to the series 50% for the good looking actors, 25% for the surprises in each episodes, 25% for the smooth storytelling.
Everything in this series was pleasing, from color to sounds, visually and auditorily 10/10
I'm looking forward for this team to produce a normal length bl series.
l've watched all the Korean BLs, but none have touched me the way this one did. Everything was so beautiful-l was captivated by every single scene.
l've always loved simple, realistic stories without exaggerated drama, and A Breeze of Love delivered that perfectly.
It breaks my heart that it's so underrated. I wish I could make the whole world watch them.
The cinematography, the acting, the breathtaking chemistry between the couple, the warmth of the story-they all wrapped around me like a soft embrace.
Everything felt so right. For a Korean BL, they managed to fit the story beautifully into the episode lengths.
I genuinely don't understand the ones who didn't like it or thought it was lacking. Even if the story was simple, the way it was told and the raw sincerity of the couple made it perfect.
There was a poetic soul in it. I fell in love with Dongwook's words: 'I'm glad the person I saw when I woke up from a beautiful sleep was you.' 'Whether it's my sleepless nights or my rain-like love, you are the answer to all my problems, Dohyun.' These lines felt so warm and real, I completely lost myself in them.
The way they looked at each other was pure magic-l found myself lost in their gaze.
Even now, I keep rewatching it. I miss them so much that I run back to them over and over.
If you're looking for something warm, comforting, peaceful-a story where love can be felt in just a single look-this is the one.
I love them with all my heart. They'll always be in the number one spot for me, holding the most beautiful place in my heart
Call Me by No Name completely caught me off guard, in the best way possible. I went in expecting something soft and cute (which it totally is!), but I didn't expect it to wreck me emotionally too.
This is the first Japanese LGBT series that truly hit home for me. It's warm, tender, and has so many small, lovely moments that made me grin nonstop. The way the characters grow close feels so real and intimate, like watching something gentle bloom. But then... the conflict hit, and wow. I was shocked. My heart genuinely dropped.
The two lead actresses were phenomenal. So natural. So raw. They carried every scene with grace and feeling, and I'm honestly still thinking about them.
This series isn't loud or flashy, it's quiet, emotional, and so beautifully made. It'll stay with me for a long, long time.
Bravo to everyone involved. You created something really meaningful.
As in many Japanese storytelling, this felt real, with many many layers and subtleties. In my experience Japan is never afraid to go outside the box with flawed characters and dark tropes, or tell a story others might not be brave enough to.
The acting is superb, and the character complexities are subtle. I can see why the boldness of narration in this story might trigger people to be mad and leave a lower rating, but sticking with this show to the end, looking behind a character's exterior to the emotions lying underneath each interaction, will bring all its light and beauty to the forefront.
As I read recently, you'd rather a piece of art provoke 1* and 10*s than all 5*s.
As with reality, people are flawed. There are
misunderstandings, nerves and social pressure getting in the way of honest communication, weird and creepy sides to us we rather others not see, insecurities and a lack of awareness of our own shortcomings. If you want an escape from reality with fluffy characters and story, this isn't it.
Personally I find happy stories off-putting unless there's a journey to get there. These are people you might be able to relate to that we can empathize with. Lighting, scenery, and settings all play a part in feeling enclosed within their story and evoking our senses. The subtleties behind the conversations, but also the tones of voice, the expressions - they stick with you to the point where I think rewatching you would pick up on so much more.
There's probably more I could say, but I hope you give it a go. It deserves the spotlight. I'm a sucker for subtle art, one that doesn't feel pressured to scream to the masses, one where the characters are followed through properly. 10/10, go watch it
Looking forward to the movie.
At first i just watch this series without any huge expectations at all. Cause there is no kissing scene (of course because they are both in the same group). But after like 4 episodes i start to enjoy the series more and now i become their biggest fans!
Their acting was so good, remembering that this was their first time as an actor. Especially Yechan's acting skill, he is so talented and super duper handsome.
The storyline was good and better than the manhwa. The ost was so good. And the cinematograpy also good.
The bad review for me is the rush in the last part of ep 6 and ep 7. I hope there will be season 2 to explore their love story and character more deep ^^
This story draws you in, feels realistic and not like a Hollywood "tear jerker" or romantic fantasy. Two outsiders meet by chance, friendship evolves into love, of course with challenges ahead. The couples connection feels authentic.
Issues of social and family expectations also evolve. But doesn't love involve a range of emotions and introduce many new experiences, adding to life's colour and adventure? But is "true love" really different to other forms of love? If such construct could be reality based, I suspect this story portrays something like it. Love cannot be measured objectively and yet it is a very real experience for many/most of us; perhaps life's greatest adventure! Life on the line is a terrific metaphor used by this film. It totally captivated me and left me feeling I had just experienced something wonderful; 10/10!
I've watched 100s of BL dramas, by far The secrets happened on the litchi island will always be my favorite.
Realistic, beautiful and coming of age story which will give you fresh vibes of nature and blossoming love.
Both the characters have a really good chemistry. Every kiss they have on screen feels too real. The show got 7 main episodes and 13 extra episodes. I didn't have much expectations watching a series made by a team of 6 students, but it turns out they've created a masterpiece which can't be left unseen. Consider episode 7 as the end of the story, a real happy ending but episode 13 shows a different ending, a sad one. Though you won't care much about the ending once you understand the metaphors of the series.
I love this drama so freaking much. It reminded me a lot of my beautiful man. Just their dynamic is absolutely everything. It was so sweet to watch them. I love how the guy was obsessed with marbles. How he could see the beauty of the world upside down. How he collected them. I love it so much. Now I wanna start collecting marbles. It was such a beautiful drama, really. So wholesome, no toxic.
Although sure I love toxic, there's times where it is not needed. Their relationship isn't toxic at all and I cannot express how much I love it. Especially how they showed what jealousy feels like too. Love this drama so much.
This is not a traditional BL, though the main actor is known as a BL actor. This is an artfully told, highly emotional, incredibly introspective story about complex humans and relationships. The acting was flawless. You could feel the emotion that went with the script. All the symbolism was connected and not overdone or far fetched. I found the characters to be very relatable given their backstory, and could empathize with all of them.
The other reviews are more verbose and descriptive, but l will tell you to bring your tissues, and make sure you are emotionally ready for an emotional journey you won't forget.
So when I wrote my review of the fantastic season 2 of
"Utsukushii Kare / My Beautiful Man" a few weeks ago, ! didn't expect there would soon come another Japanese BL series that could compete with it, but I was wrong. Today is the last day of the first quarter of 2023, and there have already been two more great Japanese series, "The End of the World with You", and now "Jack O'Frost" which in my subjective opinion may be the best BL series I have seen so far.
I won't spoil too much of the plot here, because for those who have already watched it, that won't be necessary, and to all those who haven't watched it, I would advise them to find out themselves, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed.
This is basically an "amnesia story", and by mere coincidence there are two series revolving around this topic airing at the same time - "Jack O'Frost" and the Thai series
"Love Syndrome III". Whereas the Thai series has bad writing, directing, and acting, and the only thing everybody is waiting for is Lee Long Shi taking off his shirt, the only thing I have to complain about when it comes to "Jack O'Frost" is the fact that we had to wait two long weeks for the final episode to air.
"Jack O'Frost" is the love story of two attracting opposite characters, creative and talented artist Ritsu (Honda Kyoya) and salesman Fumiya (Suzuki Kosuke). When Fumiya feels left behind in his relationship with Ritsu, he breaks up with him, and Ritsu has an accident the very same day which makes him lose his memory of Fumiya. Fumiya tries to help Ritsu regain his memory by taking him to familiar places, but he doesn't tell him about their relationship and break-up. So when they fall for each other again, their new love is based upon a lie which of course must go wrong. I'll only reveal one more thing about the plot here - there's a happy ending, but the way to that point is rocky and full of pain.
When I said that this may be the best BL series I've ever watched, it must be perfection or at least near perfection in any respect, and I think it really is. The writing is brilliant, because it cautiously displays the way these two very different characters become lovers. I usually don't like flashbacks, because all too often they are just there to fill some more minutes of screentime without taking the story ahead, but here it is different. There are many flashbacks which show the viewer bit by bit how Ritsu and Fumiya's relationship developed, and as the series is about Ritsu trying to regain his memory, it's logical not to tell the story chronologically, but showing glimpses of the past that finally make up the complete story.
The next perfect element is the acting which is closely connected to the directing of the show. I have rarely seen two actors who are able to express their characters' deep love of each other so naturally - sometimes there is so much love in Honda's eyes that they could make the arctic ice melt. But their quarrels appear equally realistic, actually so realistic that it hurts watching them. The scene that leads up to Fumiya's breaking up with Ritsu is maybe the most natural lovers' argument ever shown in a BL series.
There were scenes where I found myself holding my breath because I felt it would reveal to Ritsu and Fumiya that someone was watching them, and it would disturb them if I did breathe. Honda and Suzuki (I know this sounds funny, but, sorry, these are their names) succeeded in drawing the viewer into their story, so it felt like I was being part of what was going on on the screen.
Then there is the cinematography that makes this series a masterpiece. Many scenes are set in semi-darkness, or the vision even seems to be blurred, mirroring Ritsu's limited memory of the past. The most beautiful and at the same time most expressive scene comes towards the end of the final episode, when Ritsu is sitting in their favourite café after he has moved out of Fumiya's flat, and the window is iced over. Then the ice slowly melts, and we see Fumiya standing outside the café looking at Ritsu.
Even the title of this show is a brilliant choice. Jack O'Frost (or simply Jack Frost) is a personification of cold weather in ancient Scandinavian mythology, and is often seen as a bad character whose negative influence disappears in Spring when the weather gets warmer. The main plot of this show is set in winter, and the scene with the frost on the café's window mentioned above symbolizes the end of the cold period, and thus the new beginning of Ritsu and Fumiya's love.
The background music completes the perfection of this series, because it sensitively accompanies the action without ever being obtrusive.
All in all, Japan has given us another beautiful series which is proof once again that it doesn't need 13 episodes of 60 minutes to tell a complex story and make the viewer impatiently wait 7 long days for another short episode of 25 minutes to air.
Country: Japan
Episodes: 7 (à 25 mins.)
Directors: Yasukawa Yuka, Takahashi Natsuki Cast: Honda Kyoya, Suzuki Kosuke et al.
I think it's a good, innocent story with a simple plot like that could be expanded and have drama added but for a short bl story I think it was fun watching but if you want a detailed, long, and dramatic bl story I don't think this one is for you.
Although I don't think they ever kissed they did have touchy moments as well as cringy moments, I think the characters were good as well as the actors and there's nothing to trash on this show with. Although I can't trash on the Tv show I wouldn't consider it my top ten neither would I watch this again but i would recommend this to others who like stories like this.
I was really liking this show with the first few eps but the vibe started dying with time.
It was a decent show but if you wanna go for a KBL there are a lot more better than this one. The acting was decent but the story felt lacking to me.
Overall, this is a series you can watch if you're really wanting to otherwise it is a pass.
I truly loved this movie. The performance was outstanding.
The music was amazing. I honestly wish to see a sequel or at least a series from the two main characters Kang In Soo and Sang Lee. They work very well together. I'd like to applaud the directors, the cast and the whole team for making such an emotionally capturing film. You did a great job everyone!!
I wish I could have the opportunity to meet you in person to just say that l am truly your fan. With all my love and support. I wish you the best.
Though I was left with some unanswered questions (Kang Gook background and how he came to be a bodyguard, why Tae Joo took his time) I really loved this short drama and got emotionally involved with their developing bromance into a love story. Killer chemistry, good acting by both, good scripting, good editing (but a bit annoying OST). from Tae Joo willingness to explore and understand his confusing feelings, to Kang's reluctance to face the inevitable, we have a beautiful coming of age story. As others wrote, I wish we had more time with them but ..! would love to see a special episode showing their more mature selves and how they dealt with Tae Joo's father. Anyway, highly recommended. If you liked this series there is another Korean BL gem, a beautiful movie called "As if you whisper".
This is what a good high school BL series should be like - it shows in a very sensitive and loving way the coming of age and coming out of 4 young men, with all the smaller and bigger disasters people at that age have to face. Directed by the same director as "Make Our Days Count"
", it avoids most
of the annoying tropes of the genre, and all the four leads (Shen Jyun as Xu Qi Zhang, Li Zhen as Ye Guang, Andy Huang as Jian, and my very extra special Hsu Shuo as Ray Ray, who looks great as a crossdresser) are talented actors and super cute. The OST is the best of any BL series of
2022. I have watched this series 4 times already, and I'll watch it again.
If you don't just look for fluff while watching a series, this is for you.
Utsukushii kare is a beautiful journey that will make us realize a lot that we don't.
Even though I know a lot of people who did not really understand the depth that is portrayed in the series, I think it was very heartwarming and realistic.
Both the characters beautifully written and acted so so well.
The story will slowly grow on you and will make you dread for more from them, which I'm not sure about as this is adapted from a novel.
Acting 10/10 Story 10/10.