Probably one of best series from the new BL generation.
First of all, I want to say the fact that I've been a big fan of OffGun for a year, the same time I've been waiting for this series since I watched the pilot trailer. And although I was highly waiting for this because it was a new series of OffGun, I must admit the theme into the pilot left me seriously hooked. I still have one quote engraved in my brain: "Iron Man and Thanos are both violent. What's the difference between a hero and a villain?". I saw this was one chance for BL to explore new genres, new perspectives. So in the end, I waited for it because of the intrigue of how they will reconsider who's the hero and the villain in the plot.
Now, let's get into subject.
Story: as I said, I was waiting for a gang of young people who were against the system as rebellion. However, the plot was developed in a deeper path, connecting all the characters that fight for a reason which affects their lives. It's not as simple as just saying "I don't want to follow the rules", but a view of "they screwed the people I love and me myself, I won't allow them to go unpunished". Once the characters start to move to the same aim even if they don't get along, when rage and powerlessness invade them sometimes, the question if they're also doing the right thing arises thanks to the intervention of White disguised as Black, who gives them a different perspective to confront Tawi, especially Sean, what slowly introduces the romance part as just a side-theme which affects the main plot, but not letting it control it. Besides, I want to add that in every episode there are claims they do regarding many issues that not only involves politics, but also social as disable people, LGBTQ+ comm fight, manipulation inside the political system. As last, I want to highlight that every kiss/love scene is strictly justified as it develops the main plot with a cause-effect and not to add sexualized scenes and gain fame. Those scenes are produced in a very aesthetic way, reaching the art level thanks to the illumination, colours, bgm, camera angles, costumes, location. There's still five episodes to watch, but until now it's been flawless.
Acting/cast: I have no words to describe how speechless I am left in every episode, if not in every part of each episode. It's not just the fact the plot surrounds really delicate issues which may affect you in your RL too, but the way each actor and actress portrayed the characters. Gun has again proved me he's probably one of the best actors in the industry, but finally Off could show off his amazing potential as actor. Fluke and First were a surprise indeed, both act deeply natural, letting their feelings lead the way in each scene. I don't want to forget any cast in here as everyone is so on point in their acting, not forced or unrealistic. And I must thank the screenwriters and director for this. P'Nuchy is so strict in her work, but doesn't refuse to try new ways, allowing the actors explore fully. There was a quote in the recent bts where she said "if I see they can't follow the script after a few takes because they don't know how to convey it, I let them improvise as long as I may be the one wrong". I applaud that way of work because thanks to it, many of the most beautiful scenes have great part of improvisation grown up inside of each actor. It's a team work that helps everyone to improve together.
Music: what to say about the music. It's perfect. So on point in each scene, not just added to fill the silence, but to convey the feeling completely. A new taste in songs that are rare to be heard in BL. With or without lyrics, it's impressive how the songs were chosen and not created for the series (aside of the main OST and My Side), because they fit 100% .
Rewatch value: I think this point is really important because sometimes the scenes are so overwhelming (or at least I felt so) that I needed to rewatch to see small details or connotations that the first time you may miss as you're extremely focused on the feeling. This is not a bad point, moreover, it shows how it absorbs you into its world.
The overall rate is obviously 10/10 because I can't see any major flaw. It's a series that must be enjoyed from a very subjective view so you will understand each feeling and reason behind their actions. However, at the same time, that's what makes it so immersive, deep and charismatic. No series are alike. No characters are alike. No plot is alike. It's a one-time experience. And I hope it will keep as such until the end.
Thanks for reading.
Now, let's get into subject.
Story: as I said, I was waiting for a gang of young people who were against the system as rebellion. However, the plot was developed in a deeper path, connecting all the characters that fight for a reason which affects their lives. It's not as simple as just saying "I don't want to follow the rules", but a view of "they screwed the people I love and me myself, I won't allow them to go unpunished". Once the characters start to move to the same aim even if they don't get along, when rage and powerlessness invade them sometimes, the question if they're also doing the right thing arises thanks to the intervention of White disguised as Black, who gives them a different perspective to confront Tawi, especially Sean, what slowly introduces the romance part as just a side-theme which affects the main plot, but not letting it control it. Besides, I want to add that in every episode there are claims they do regarding many issues that not only involves politics, but also social as disable people, LGBTQ+ comm fight, manipulation inside the political system. As last, I want to highlight that every kiss/love scene is strictly justified as it develops the main plot with a cause-effect and not to add sexualized scenes and gain fame. Those scenes are produced in a very aesthetic way, reaching the art level thanks to the illumination, colours, bgm, camera angles, costumes, location. There's still five episodes to watch, but until now it's been flawless.
Acting/cast: I have no words to describe how speechless I am left in every episode, if not in every part of each episode. It's not just the fact the plot surrounds really delicate issues which may affect you in your RL too, but the way each actor and actress portrayed the characters. Gun has again proved me he's probably one of the best actors in the industry, but finally Off could show off his amazing potential as actor. Fluke and First were a surprise indeed, both act deeply natural, letting their feelings lead the way in each scene. I don't want to forget any cast in here as everyone is so on point in their acting, not forced or unrealistic. And I must thank the screenwriters and director for this. P'Nuchy is so strict in her work, but doesn't refuse to try new ways, allowing the actors explore fully. There was a quote in the recent bts where she said "if I see they can't follow the script after a few takes because they don't know how to convey it, I let them improvise as long as I may be the one wrong". I applaud that way of work because thanks to it, many of the most beautiful scenes have great part of improvisation grown up inside of each actor. It's a team work that helps everyone to improve together.
Music: what to say about the music. It's perfect. So on point in each scene, not just added to fill the silence, but to convey the feeling completely. A new taste in songs that are rare to be heard in BL. With or without lyrics, it's impressive how the songs were chosen and not created for the series (aside of the main OST and My Side), because they fit 100% .
Rewatch value: I think this point is really important because sometimes the scenes are so overwhelming (or at least I felt so) that I needed to rewatch to see small details or connotations that the first time you may miss as you're extremely focused on the feeling. This is not a bad point, moreover, it shows how it absorbs you into its world.
The overall rate is obviously 10/10 because I can't see any major flaw. It's a series that must be enjoyed from a very subjective view so you will understand each feeling and reason behind their actions. However, at the same time, that's what makes it so immersive, deep and charismatic. No series are alike. No characters are alike. No plot is alike. It's a one-time experience. And I hope it will keep as such until the end.
Thanks for reading.
Was this review helpful to you?