GayinYourArea
An okay drama that could've been better
This "queer" story falls short of the heights of excellence. Among its flaws, none are as detestable as the violation of a gay male space (a gay club) by a "straight" identifying woman (31:59 of episode 1). The sanctity of a gay male space is not to be disturbed, it's a space for men of like mind and heart to be unabashed in their same-sex desires, away from the harsh gaze of the heteronormative society. Entering a single-sex space with the intention of pursuing someone of the opposite sex to carry back to one’s bed reveals a lack of understanding of, and respect for, the space's true purpose
What was that sudden, unceremonious reference to HIV? HIV isn't a gay disease and a character's sexuality doesn't warrant the inclusion of HIV in a storyline
The doctor's assumption that the main character's HIV was sexually transmitted is inconsistent with his assertion that the chances of transmitting HIV through sex are low (39:50 of episode 5). The main character's life was unaffected by the disease, and there was no reason why he should be among the rare cases of sexual transmission. HIV is being used for dramatic effect
The narrative device of "straight" identifying female characters befriending gay male characters and becoming the medium through which gay stories are told is tiresome and troubling. Why a "straight" identifying woman, and not a gay woman, a fellow member of the community who shares the same struggles and experiences of discrimination? Can't a gay woman and a gay man get along and be depicted as friends for once?
The conclusion isn't a happily ever after; it's more of an anticlimactic question mark, tinged with the bitterness of an uncertain future. Sad or open endings are a trademark of most "queer" stories, their writers seem to have a vendetta against gay happiness
I find greater comfort and warmth in BLs/gay stories that celebrate the joy of the romantic fulfillment and validation denied to gay couples. They surpass their sad or open-ended "queer" counterparts
Although "Love in the Big City" isn't a masterpiece, its depiction of a gay person's life prevents me from rating it too low. I've decided on a score of 8 that acknowledges the value and the flaws of the story
What was that sudden, unceremonious reference to HIV? HIV isn't a gay disease and a character's sexuality doesn't warrant the inclusion of HIV in a storyline
The doctor's assumption that the main character's HIV was sexually transmitted is inconsistent with his assertion that the chances of transmitting HIV through sex are low (39:50 of episode 5). The main character's life was unaffected by the disease, and there was no reason why he should be among the rare cases of sexual transmission. HIV is being used for dramatic effect
The narrative device of "straight" identifying female characters befriending gay male characters and becoming the medium through which gay stories are told is tiresome and troubling. Why a "straight" identifying woman, and not a gay woman, a fellow member of the community who shares the same struggles and experiences of discrimination? Can't a gay woman and a gay man get along and be depicted as friends for once?
The conclusion isn't a happily ever after; it's more of an anticlimactic question mark, tinged with the bitterness of an uncertain future. Sad or open endings are a trademark of most "queer" stories, their writers seem to have a vendetta against gay happiness
I find greater comfort and warmth in BLs/gay stories that celebrate the joy of the romantic fulfillment and validation denied to gay couples. They surpass their sad or open-ended "queer" counterparts
Although "Love in the Big City" isn't a masterpiece, its depiction of a gay person's life prevents me from rating it too low. I've decided on a score of 8 that acknowledges the value and the flaws of the story
Was this review helpful to you?
