NAMUJOON

Since IPYTM is coming out I figured I should probably catch up and watch ITSAY since I haven't gotten to it yet. Hm. I have mixed feelings about this show. I totally understand why it's as beloved as it is. The acting is incredible, the lighting and cinematography is impeccable. I absolutely loved the OST. The chemistry was so natural. I think I just had trouble with the teen angst - maybe because I'm a bit older? It didn't always feel very high-stakes to me. Lots of people are saying they cried a lot but I didn't at all. I guess it felt a little overdramatic at times? Not sure if that makes sense. And I was a little disappointed in the kiss. All of their physical interactions had this raw, awkward quality of two teens figuring out what it means to be attracted to someone else, but that weird underwater kiss didn't really fit in with that.

I will definitely watch IPYTM, but I'll probably wait until all the episodes have been released. Also, I don't mean to hate on something so many people love. Like I said, there's a lot to the show that I really liked as well. I'm curious if anyone else felt the same way as me?

I didn't really have any issues with the quality of the kiss, but it felt like an odd move for Bbomb in that moment.

I'm enjoying the presence of het couples too. It makes everything seem a little more organic and it's a refreshing departure from the "everyone's gay!" trope.

I'm still enjoying this show, but I'll just pretend that kiss never happened, lol.

This was so wholesome and lovely. I really related to the anxiety of not "doing" adulthood correctly. I liked that underlying theme that ran through the show, and its ultimate resolution. Really excited about the possibility of season 2!!

I usually watch things on dramacool but I can't seem to find this one on there...anyone know where I can watch this?

I can't really explain why BL is so popular, I think there are many reasons, and everyone has their personal preference. However I once read an interesting article about the popularity of BL and M/M romance among women. The author theorized that many women might appreciate m/m romance because there is no female character they have to identify with. For example, as a woman, watching a F/M romance can sometimes get annoying for me because I am always analyzing the woman's behavior and putting myself in her shoes. But when I watch BL or a m/m romance, I can just enjoy the romance for what it is. That personally hits closest to home for why I like BL, but like I said, it's different for everyone. And it's definitely a genre that can take some getting used to, so don't worry if you ultimately decide it just isn't for you. I would say that the recommendations RandomUsagi gives are good, you might want to try one of those. You mentioned 2gether and Love By Chance, those are both good shoes as well. I might also recommend Tale of 1000 Stars (Thailand). There are also some really excellent shows coming out of the Philippines. I would recommend Gameboys or Gaya Sa Pelikula.

Note: I should mention that I don't mean to exclude fans of BL who are not cis females, as BL fans come from all walks of life. But that was the focus of the article I read.

I can't say for sure but I do think that's what the show intended.

Lately I've been feeling overwhelmed with real life, so I've been gravitating towards simpler shows that don't force me to think too much, haha. This show has lots of those typical BL tropes but that's just what I need right now. I guess that all sounds like a backhanded compliment, but I do really like the show so far. I think the acting is pretty good, and I'm invested in seeing what happens. I wish it was a little longer per episode but that's ok!

"Not conventionally good" is a great way to describe it, lol.

I'm really enjoying this series so far, much more than I thought I would. Yeah, the acting isn't perfect, and I feel like there are too many characters so the plot is a little all over the place. BUT despite those things I still find myself enjoying each episode. I'm finding myself invested in the side characters, which I usually don't do with BL. I'm curious to see where they go with Keam's storyline. Looking forward to episode 4, looks like we'll get a little bit of fluff and angst.

I'm actually enjoying this show so far. I have been feeling so overwhelmed IRL the last few weeks, so watching this show with its soft coloring and familiar tropes has been oddly comforting in a way. The predictability is soothing to me. I feel like the acting is pretty good, I like both the leads, and I'm invested in the side ships. Looking forward to seeing where they go with it!

ok, that's good to know, thanks!! Actually the episode I started watching last night has my attention a little more than the others, so I will definitely keep watching. :)

ok, thanks! I will keep watching!

I'm pretty behind on this series (just finished episode 4) but I'm struggling to get through it. It just seems kind of goofy and cringe to me and I'm not too invested in the ships yet. But I've seen a lot of glowing reviews...so I guess I'm asking if it gets better? I'm happy to continue if it does.

Ok, thanks! I do enjoy manga, but work keeps me so busy I have to be choosy about what I have time to read. But I will definitely read it! :)

Yes, that was my only complaint as well. They didn't explore Yamato's character much until the third act.

Can I ask if the movie follows the manga pretty closely? I am interested in reading the manga but I think only if there are scenes not found in the movie, if that makes sense.

aw that part got me too. Such a great idea to bring it full circle like that

Sure thing!