PPBongi

Sorry, I disagree with you completely. Romance IS the point AND the main focus. While I admittedly do not understand Japanese culture and mating rituals, I do not believe that two people ALONE by themselves with no one else present would be as stilted and unromantic as they were. I would never want to westernize anyone. I just want them to be - human. Romance IS ALWAYS the point be they gay or BL. If you are ever going to change the perspective of how others see you, then change. Refresh. For me, if it were a GAY story, then it would have been more open, no matter what the culture. Is that not the point of showing these series? To push the envelope? If it is strictly BL, then I expect a pablum, Pollyanna approach to romance. I detest anything over-the-top and generally fast-forward through romance scenes because I KNOW they are all rehearsed. I hate porn too. I want something that shows a deeper connection between 2 people and the LEAST 2 people could do, no matter if it is labeled gay or BL is to be able to show 2 guys supposedly in love being able to kiss ON THE LIPS. My criteria may not be yours but I do not know how to 'guess' they are in love. That is the one universal standard that all races, creeds, cultures and customs understand in developing a relationship. So when 2 people kiss and it appears to be meaningful, there is a sense of love. I am also firmly convinced that for most perhaps not all, Japanese series, the performers CHOOSE NOT to kiss. It is deliberate which defeats the purpose of acting. Why do you do a gay or BL if you are unwilling to do a simple kiss? If we are EVER going to change the perception of others that what gay people do is as normal as what others do, then it must be shown. If you do not, it becomes shameful and negative. I am a firm believer that these series can and do change attitudes and opinions and every time there is a hesitation in expressions of love or abuse, it just reinforces all the negatives impressions of what gay people are all about. Gayness is an illness and we only deserve abuse of any type. Let's just say we see things differently. Unfortunately, mine comes from eons of personal experience.

NOTE: I did state MOSTLY. That was a great story and an endearing story but their romance to me was still weak but almost got there. It disappointed me, knowing what would have made that series great would have been a more intense connection. However, "Fake Fact Lips " is exceptional AND these actors were UNAFRAID to be romantic and kiss like they meant it. Have not posted my review of this series yet.

You are cynical and that I appreciate that. I am known to be one too. I have nearly given up on Japanese BLs as well, as they tell great stories, but the acting is (mostly) half-ass when it comes to the romance. I would completely agree with you. I loved Shine. Third on my List for that year and 180 Degrees was my number one pick for 2022. I loved that series. I did not watch "To My Shore" but cannot image anything more toxic that "Double Helix".

After I wrote that, I realized how that might have sounded. I just wanted to confirm it since I write a blog and wanted to make sure I can quote a legitimate source in case someone question what I wrote. Not that you are illegitimate. I needed a professional source. I seem to be digger a deeper hole for myself. I do read your reviews and would agree with you about the 'fangirls'. You can read my reviews at BLBliss.com. I go into more detail there. Would welcome input - negative or positive!

I did indeed! I researched what you said and found it was spot-on and completely accurate.

And I so look forward to your disagreements! I always want to be challenged.

It is obvious you se this series differently. Perhaps in the beginning one could make the case of hero worshipping when they were youngsters. However, that does not hold as they grew older and became their own selves. Hence, they indeed have a 'love' for one another from the very beginning. I saw no sense of cohesion or bullying and having been a product of that and having a professional background in human services, I just did not see that here - at all. If I had, I would have called it out. I detest and hate bullying and any form of abuse. These two guys knew each other and how to perhaps not with great finesse draw each to the other. I can't help but feel that BOTH were being manipulative, seeking attention, and desiring the other. So who is outmaneuvering whom here? Anyway, we see it all differently.

Honestly, I had not thought of that point, but I would completely agree. That would have given them more of an intimate connection rather than a sense of obligation. Nice catch!

Sorry, but it is but to each its own. That's fine that you liked it.

Not on IQIYI. How are you watching this? Can you email me? You can find my email on my website.

This does look interesting but how do one watch this?

Are you a Star Trek fan? Referencing your name of course. If you are, then Live Long and Prosper!

Oh I could not agree with you more! I love escapism. If it has a point - fantasy, comedy, tongue-in-cheek. What I dislike is an asinine portrayal of the 'real world' with idiotic decision making being supported by people who should know better. Throw in some reality to counterbalance the sugar. I did not find this series lighthearted. I found it infantile. Big difference for me. But I truly understand your desire.

I obviously touched a nerve with you and you want to kill both the message and the messenger. Admittedly and honestly, I am not its demographics. I acknowledged that. Perhaps you ought to acknowledge that I am entitled to an opinion nonetheless. I want you to remember what you said to me because if you are lucky enough to reach my age, these words you have said, will come back to haunt you. Because if Karma is real, they will come back at you. These insults, and that is what they are both condescending and ageist, you will remember. Respectfully, it IS the series. Don't pin this one on me. I may be old but I am that I am. Besides, this is only a snippet of a review. I have a full review of this series that delves more deeply into this string of cliches and tropes. I won't keep anything 'cute' to keep anyone happy.

It's good hearing from you. After the junk I have been watching, I found A Perfect Match to be a perfect match. I honestly thought this was endearing. Some of the crap that is out there is beyond description. A lot of it is Thai, unfortunately. I am having a hard time with the tropey cliche-driven stuff from Thailand.
Don't get me started on Teenagers Judge. That was AWFUL. I hated it and was hard to watch. Will end up on my Bathos list. What a mess! Yes, I loves Khat as well except for its format also.
Funny, I usually get criticized for being too critical .

Could not agree with you more! And stated so succinctly too!

Thank You! I know I can be a bit brutal with my reviews at times. But I think it is time that BLs are taken a hard look as a genre with more objectivity and not just because they have eye candy to them. I appreciate the feedback. BTW, my FAVORITE BLs are Vietnamese. I love most of them as well. And again thank you for the positive feedback. I appreciate it deeply.

You are truly a sad figure when you can't allow yourself for others to think differently than you. Wow.

I completely agree with you. I found it intriguing and not your traditional Bl/GL format. Too bad.

I do hope you enjoy it!