Some Questionable Story Elements, But Enjoyable All in All...

What a depressing, frustrating ending! I'm so glad that there's a sequel so that Toey and Oat can be reunited. I've heard so many rave reviews about the sequel and wanted to watch it, but of course, I had to watch its prequel first.

Quiet. Watching this film is like taking a stroll in the park. Calming and relaxing. There's a feeling of ease. Though I did like Oat and Toey's relationship, how it started was questionable. A random rape subplot committed by Oat who didn't seem like the person who would take advantage of Toey. It felt completely out of character for Oat as if the writer wanted to inject some conflict into the story. In addition, the rationalization of the sexual assault on both Yumi's and Toey's end was questionable. "If it was a woman, it would be better." What?! And Yumi using natto to open Toey's mind up to guys was weird. All in all though, I enjoyed the film and really liked the relationships between Toey and Oat. That ending where they reunited after several years was quite sad and touching as they realize how much time has passed and thought about what could have been. I am ready for the much lauded sequel!

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3 STARS FOR ZONSAIFAH ONLY!

I was excited to watch this series due to it being one of the latest popular BL's along with 2gether, My Engineer and YYY. I was surprised to see Saint star in a lead role in this series. It's impressive seeing him star in two popular BL roles: PerthSaint in Love By Chance and ZeeSaint in Why R U?

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed and liked this series (at first)! Slightly over-the-top and campy. Interesting stylistic choice with the animated sequences and blurring of fiction and reality. How ironic. His name is Tutor and he works as a tutor. Lol. Pretty cool seeing a half-black actor in Kae, but he is a comic relief role though.

The first episode was interesting as it introduced the story and the characters. However, the second and third episodes dragged a bit as the excessive dialogue scenes don't actually serve a purpose and there is no actual progress in the story. However, the series picked up on episode 4. Episodes 4-8 were exciting and compelling, Unfortunately, the series lost steam in its later episodes where I didn't really care for Tutor and Fighter's relationship anymore (and yet the series gives them so much, like so much screen time).

Rivals becoming lovers is always an interesting story. There's a lot that you can do with the tension between two people. At first, I liked Zon and Sai Fah's story more than Tutor and Fighter's to be honest. Their origin story of stealing a girlfriend makes more sense than mistaking the spelling of a name. Their relationships was SO CUTE! Like puppy love! However, I felt that Zon and Saifah's relationship is a bit too quick (which the series actually addresses a few times lol). Like one guitar session where they almost kiss and then, they are on a date where they just so happened to be at the same time at the same time. I grew to like Fighter and Tutor's story, which was filled with sexual tension. I did like how the series portrayed Fighter struggling with his sexuality and fears being outed and Tutor struggling to pay off a debt (something that the wealthy Fighter can help with). Their transition from friends who secretly liked/hated on another to acting like a couple, being jealous of and acting cute with one another, is a bit sudden though. Going on a lavish couple vacation at the beach just to see if they want to be in a relationship is a bit much and doesn't make much sense to be honest. And it's most likely Fighter's father who is funding the trip and the fact that the father didn't ask who Fighter was going with or anything doesn't make sense. The vacation scenes were so dull, excluding the love-making scene ;). I was literally waiting for something, anything to happen.

Both main couples get together like episode 9, but there are still several episodes left. There's nothing to build to. Even when Fighter's father caught him making out with Tutor, they kept on being all lovey-dovey, which doesn't make sense as his father could hear them. And why would Tutor leave his phone when he went to the bathroom or talk to Fighter all lovey-dovey in front of his student, which doesn't make sense. I do like how Fighter's father was not accepting of his son's sexuality as it provides a different viewpoint that is equally valid (and more realistic) than the other BL's with parents who accept their children right away. I also liked how he stated the importance of the happiness of the family, not the individual, which is a common Asian cultural value, and how he knew what made his son happy because he raised him, which is a common (albeit false) belief among parents. Anyways, why didn't Tutor tell fight that his father wanted them to break up. It's not like he blackmailed him. He's not losing anything by telling Fighter that. However, it is poignant having the father see how unhappy his son is due to his beliefs. More parents should see these scenes in my opinion. Seeing how their decisions and actions can affect their children. Seeing if it is actually worth it. It's kinda weird towards the end where Zon acts like Tutor's close friend when it should be Saifah who should be acting like a close friend to be honest.

It is unfortunate that ZonSaifah scenes were unable to be filmed due to COVID 19 since they are my most favourite couple in the show. I wonder how much effect the COVID crisis had on filming though. Would the side couples like Japan/Tanthai and Blue/Dew have gotten more screen time? Anyways, those side couples were completely useless and had no purpose in the series.

The skinship and make-out scenes are nicely shot though. This series probably has the most intimate scenes from a BL that I've seen thus far. However, Fightor had too much intimate scenes and ZonSaifah didn't have enough.

A few trivial things here and there like how Fighter was able to use the koala mascot since he didn't work there and how Tutor didn't know that it was Fighter. The sister (Tony) subplot was kinda random and felt shoe-horned into the story to have someone for Tutor to come out to and to bridge the silence between Tutor and Fighter.

It may not have many moments that make your heart flutter or legs quiver like 2gether, but those moments that do feel natural and organic, unlike 2gether's which feel manipulative. Your hearts flutters when you see the couples learn about each other and support each other and love each other.

It is also interesting that a lot of the cast are from the YouTube group, DomundiTV, which is pretty cool to be honest.

The product placement in this series is so shameless. Usually, I enjoy product placement in BL series as it's generally cute and funny, but this series takes it to another level, kinda shoving it in your face.

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Excellent But Didn't Make My Heart Sing...

An artful BL with beautifully composed shots. Everything about this series was strong. The performances were excellent (the best acting that I've seen from a BL series by far though the actors are much older & probably more experienced). The writing was organic. The characterization were poignant. The chemistry was arousing. The story was singular and different from traditional BL stories. Though I find this series (my first Japanese BL) to be excellent all around, I wouldn't say that this is one of my favourite BL series just because it didn't make my heart sing unlike other BL series like SOTUS, 2gether or Addicted.

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Watching SOTUS Felt Like Falling In Love

Watching this show, I had a similar experience with Carol, where I felt like I was experiencing a deep, profound love. Watching SOTUS felt like falling in love, being loved, realizing that you are worthy of love, that love is worth fighting for, the pain of having your heart broken and sharing your life with someone. The writing is oh so good. The performances are wonderful. I love how grounded and real this show is (like when compared to 2gether). The chemistry between Krist and Singto is electric (as can be seen in their live appearances). I was introduced to SOTUS after doing some research about more popular BL series after binging 2gether. I simply adored this season though I felt that there wasn't enough scenes between Arthit and Kongpob. There was too much filler with the secondary characters in my opinion. I still absolutely loved this season though.

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I absolutely loved this series. It was the perfect introduction to K-dramas. I have been meaning to watch Korean dramas for awhile but never did until I read about the raves for this series which happened to be on Netflix so why not? Not what I was expecting from a K-drama (I was expecting something more along the lines of 2gether), but it was so cute and sentimental and touching. I cried so many times watching this show. I haven't cried this much watching anything, which shows how good this shows is (it also shows how manipulative this show is, but it works). Far better than the overrated Itaewon Class in my opinion.

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Suspenseful...

I've heard a lot about Method with many people recommending it as a "must-watch" for BL films. Though the story did feel rushed and was a tad too melodramatic at times, especially in its thrilling last act, I absolutely was enthralled with this story of art imitating life and the lines that blurs the two distinctions. The acting of the two leads were great and really pulled me into this forbidden love story. There were a few unresolved moments that were questionable though such as why Young Woo's demeanor changed so quickly from being reluctant to participate in the play to going the extra mile and who the stranger was who broke into Jaeha's house, who I'm guessing was Young Woo but what happened after the statue fell down? Did Jaeha's wife call the police? Did Young Woo appear? How did he appear? Did he do anything to the wife? This major plot point was kinda skimmed over to amp up the tension in the last act. And let's be honest, if Jaeha truly thought that Young Woo killed his wife, he wouldn't continue to act on stage but rather rushing to his house to save her. All in all, an entertaining and suspenseful story that is unique in the world of BL. Anyone looking to see something different, I highly recommend watching this film!

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Entertaining Fluff...

Entertaining though a bit too fluffy with a story that was a bit messy. I was a bit unsure why Min Soo married Hyo Jin in the first place. Was it to get his mother off his back? For money? Neither reason was substantial enough to warrant faking a marriage. His mother was barely in the picture and money didn't seem that important. And he was a doctor anyways. He was sure to make good money.

The film was entertaining until its last third which was too melodramatic, random and rushed. Did Tina really have to die? No. Did the cast really have to do a campy dance in front of their disapproving parents at the chapel? No. And what is up with that random animated sequences at the end, which was completely unnecessary.

On a positive note, I loved the portrayal of different type of gay people without reducing any of them into caricatures! I LOVED that!

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Engagina and Compelling

I've seen several people recommend this film when people asked for BL film recommendations. And I'm glad that I watched it! An engaging, compelling, subtle film about unconditional love, acceptance and time. Seeing Mi Kyung learn to accept Yong Joon's homosexuality was touching. Exposure leads to acceptance. Like many others, I am slightly disappointed by the ending in which Yong Joon and Soo Hyun are not together, but it is understandable. Feelings change. Time goes on. I do hope that Yong Joon and Soo Hyun will learn to love one another again though. *fingers crossed*

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A Genre Yet to Be Explored In BL...

I first heard about this short film from a BL Instagram account that I follow. And I enjoyed it! I liked how they explored the genre of webcam porn, which has hasn't been touched by any BL series so far. I liked how they mentioned the hardship and unemployment that the COVID crisis befell on them, which many viewers can relate to, causing them to explore trying to make money online, which many people in real life also did with the surge of new OnlyFans accounts being created. I would love to see this short film expanded into a full-length series. I would 100% watch it as it brings someone new to the BL world.

It is surprising that there has yet to be a BL that focuses on webcam star, especially during the COVID crisis which provides the perfect opportunity to explore that genre. But I guess that topic is too adult whereas BL is more innocent and targeted towards fangirls.

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Highly Entertaining Though Rushed...

Never heard of this film before, but its title card on Netflix with the image of a good-looking Asian warrior piqued my interest. My interest was further piqued when I saw that the film starred Henry Lau, who I was first introduced to when I saw a thumbnail of him in a Buzzfeed YouTube video.

Highly entertaining and engaging, I was completely invested in the story and the characters. However, the film felt very rushed. It was like pedal to the metal right from the start. The film tried to cram the content of a series into a 2 hour film. Within the first 15 minutes, the main characters are already on their trek for a warrior competition and one person has already died. And there were a few questionable plot points such as the Martial Combat, which though exciting, doesn't make any sense at all. Why would you send your best fighters to die just so that one of them can lead an army? Like what?

This story would have been better suited as a series to be honest. There is still way too much material to unpack and so many story threads that still need to be explored. I truly hope that there will be several sequels, which will help flesh out the story and the background of its characters, bringing justice to this fascinating story.

On a side note, Henry Lau's so hot! I loved how the producers/director pandered to the audience by serving us some Henry Lau shirtless scenes! Bless them! His acting could've been better though. To be honest, the acting all across the board could have been better, but that could be a script/genre issue where overacting is the norm/expected. Still highly entertaining though.

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Pretty Good Until the Middle When Story Started to Make No Sense...

Overlong. Messy. Nonsensical especially in its last 10 episodes. Like there's literally no logic. It felt like the writer was just trying to throw random plot points at the wall and see which ones sticks. Props to China for using unique concepts in their BL's like Advance Bravely, The Untamed and Guardian, unlike Thailand which are always set in university. Though I do immensely love Thai BL's, it would be nice to have some different settings and concepts. It is unfortunate about China's censorship on LGBT relationships in films and TV shows though. They are censoring great works of art that could be immensely better if it weren't for the ban. I'm really surprised that this series passed the sensors to be honest. It's quite homoerotic and blatant in its portrayal of gay love, unlike say like The Untamed who is more subtle. A coming out scene to the parents would have been nice at the end but that would mean being blatantly gay, thus not passing the sensors.

Yuan Zong is literally the perfect boyfriend and the interactions between the two main leads were quite cute and adorable. However, The series does drag a bit in the middle though as nothing important happens. Even though the series is 30 episodes long, their relationship seemed a bit quick. Xia Yao went from being nervous around Yuan Zong to staying with him overnight, wanting him to scratch his back in like the span of a few episodes.

A few questionable plot points throughout the series though like why Da Yu would not know that he was carrying a stranger and why he would let the random stranger sleep over. It does provide comic relief though. And why is Da Yu so obsessed with Wang Zhi Shui. Or Da Yu being extra when an instructor kicked Xia Yao. Or Xia Yao being held against his will because the sister wanted to treat his 'premature ejaculation.' WTF?! And all the people helping her?! It makes no sense at all! Or when and why Yuan Zong and Xia Yao started to live together all of a sudden? There was zero talking about this. They just randomly started to live together and sleep on the same bed shirtless. This show is more light-hearted than I was expecting. The poster promotes a very different type of series; one that is more epic and wuxia.

Random plot points that don't make any sense like the random charity towards the end, a movie being shot where Wang Zhi Shui is the star. Xia Yao's random trauma of guy legs. Like wtf?! And it never got resolved. Or Xia Yao helping children cross the street in an inch-long flood. Or utterly stupid life-and-death scenario at the end when the construction workers asked random people in cars to help try to rescue a worker who fell down a well and the 'super selfless' Xia Yao decided to help them and then got stuck down there. Uh what?! Like could the construction worker like throw down the rope to him after pulling up the worker who initially fell down the well? And how the eff did Yuan Zong and the other bodyguard members get there before the firefighters? It makes no sense at all! And that animated ending which was literally one of the worst ending that I've ever seen in my entire life!

Even at 30 episodes, the story felt incomplete. Literally Nothing was resolved! None of the characters’ stories were complete! I've read that the original version of Advance Bravely had 35 episodes but the BL scenes were cut due to the broadcasting restrictions. I wonder how the censorship affected this show’s production. The censorship was implemented December 2015. I'm guessing that this show was filmed before the restriction. But does it take 1.5 years to edit since it began to air August 2017? Still, even with the restriction, the story could have been so much better and the animated ending could have easily been scrapped. Another series ruined by China censorship. Addicted Heroin. Advance Bravely. The Untamed. Ugh, China...

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BEAUTIFUL IN ITS PORTRAYAL OF THE ORDINARY...

Though I do hate medical-related stuff, I am fascinated by the lives of doctors and residents working in a hospital and have never have watched a medical drama before though I have always been interested. Due to the rave reviews of Hospital Playlist on social media, I decided to check it out since it is on Netflix anyways.

Relaxing and comforting. Just regular people living their everyday lives. And that's what makes it beautiful. I get the same feeling when I watch Terrace House. It's beautiful seeing the deep relationships that form between medical students, residents, doctors and professors all working towards the same goal, to help better the lives of others. I cannot wait to see the second season!

I can see why some people were unsure to continue watching as this drama throws you right in the middle of the character lives, so you are kinda disoriented and confused, especially when so many names of people you don't know gets dropped. However, you quickly get used to it and are exposed to something ordinarily beautiful. You feel like you are a part of these character lives.

On a side note, it's an interesting dichotomy. Doctors are highly respected in society, but they can also be treated quite poorly, being at the mercy of their patients and their families, often getting yelled at and harassed by them. Sometimes, even having to profusely apologize for unintentional oversights or being unable to save a patient. This series shows both aspects.

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Surprisingly Good!

When this BL was first announced as one of the three BL series that weTV will be producing, I wasn't that interested (being far more interested in Manner of Death, one of the other BL series). The trailer wasn't particularly interesting either. I found the first episode to be quite a nonsensical, dull mess and dropped this series. After a few weeks when I was reviewing the BL series that are currently airing, I decided to give this one another chance and I am glad that I did. Episode 2 was quite good as the story began to focus on its two BL couples, the series immediately became much better, even touching at times.

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Ugh...

This series caught my attention due to Royce Cabrera, who was one of the leads along with Gameboys’ Kokoy in Fuccbois, a Filipino BL film. Though the story does deal with the covid crisis, it’s nice to see actual human interaction rather than video calling. Story-wise, it’s alright though I bit forced, such as Rocky randomly offering to massage Judah. Not sure how massage was going to help keep Judah awake and not sure why Rocky just ended up caressing Judah’s hair and only barely massaging his temples. Nothing particularly exciting but nothing boring either. Still have to wait to give my verdict as it’s too early. Royce is hot though and it was nice seeing his several shirtless scenes in the first episode. ;) On a side note, I do like how Judah is confidently gay and knows what he likes though I do find him a bit irritating though. Interested in seeing where the story goes from here.

After watching Episode 3, I've decided to drop this series as I have found the last few episodes to be quite boring and dull. The story is quite predictable with its straight-roommate-turns-gay storyline, which has been done better and more interestingly by other BL series. I may revisit this series later on, but most likely not...

Revising the series, I actually kinda enjoyed the latest episodes. Yes, Judah is still annoying but his actions and feelings made sense (excluding posting Rocky's photos online, that was just plain stupid). And yes, he did come onto Rocky too hard, but Rocky did reciprocate though.

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2.5 STARS FOR MINGKIT ONLY!!!

A slow start but it quickly picks up in Episode 3. It's a simple, standard story. Nothing special. No real ups and downs. Pretty standstill and flat-line in terms of conflict, tension and emotions. Some cute moments here and there, but nothing that tugs at your heartstrings or that makes you feel invested. The piano score is beautiful and touching though and it fits perfectly with the story, unlike other BL's where the music feels out-of-place.

Yo and Pha's relationships was a bit too quick in my opinion. They both have secretly liked each other since high school and quickly get together in university. There's a public declaration of love and "I love you" already by Episode 4. There's nothing to build towards. No one who can get in their way since their love for one another has been aflamed for so long. And their scenes gets dull as Pha acts all lovey-dovey whereas Yo acts all shy. And when Yo tried to make Pha jealous just because Pha was talking enthusiastically to Pring. Ugh. So cringey, manipulative and nonsensical. To be honest, YoPha was my least favourtie couple in the series. I LOVED MingKit, liked ForthBeam, but could care less about YoPha.

MingKit made this series worth watching! The chemistry between Joong and Nine was far more intense than Ben and Earth (YoPha, the main couple). Episode 9 that focuses on MingKit is without a doubt the best episode of the series! The conversation between Ming and Kit on the bed made my heart swell and burst! My heart was so full! That moment was beautiful and made me wish that I had someone who could love and accept me with all my flaws. I was captivated and felt myself being drawn closer to the screen while watching that beautiful scene unfold.

ForthBeam was pretty good themselves. However, I felt that their relationship was too quick. The feelings for one another were too quick, especially from a one night stand. And Forth did actually acknowledge how quick and sudden his feelings for Beam were. And then, they quickly became like close friends and then, Beam suddenly acts all cold to Forth and then, they reconcile.

The ending didn't really make much sense though. Park decided to create a hickey (assault) Yo and post photos of the evidence around the school because Yo 'humiliated' him by leaving him in the theatre. Like what? Park knew that Yo only asked him to go watch a film to spite Pha. Park knew that Yo was using him to make Pha jealous. By accepting Yo's invitation, Park was already humiliating himself. But no, it was Yo leaving Park at the movies that make him angry enough to assault and post photos of that assault. No sense at all. However, by leaving the series on a cliffhanger with a "To Be Continued," it does ensure a sequel, so that's good! Hopefully, MingKit will get more screen time in the sequel!

On a side note, I was kinda annoying that the series equated acne and glasses to being ugly and that Yo looked more handsome and desirable because he was "fair-skinned" (no acne) and didn't wear glasses. However, Pha did like Yo even when he had acne and glasses, so that's good in a sense.

On another side note, there was a lot of rape jokes though, which turned me off. I noticed that Thai BL's have a lot of rape jokes. Hopefully, they will realize the harm in them and not make them anymore.

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