The suspense keeps you hooked till the end

As soon as I completed Sherlock: The Untold Stories I added this movie to my watchlist and have been waiting patiently to watch Dean Fujioka and Iwata Takanori to reprise their role as Shishio and Wakamiya.

I have previously seen the English Movie The Hound of the Baskervilles along with the 2010 English series with Benedict Cumberbatch where one of the episodes deals with this mystery. So, I already had an inkling of what the storyline is and how the mystery will unfold. But when I started watching this is when I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it contains a different plotline and this piqued my interest. The story was fresh and the mystery kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time and what more can I ask for?

The story is about Shishio and Wakamiya going to a remote island to unravel the mystery of the death of a rich client and the curse of a black dog that haunts his family.

Dean Fujioka does a splendid job playing the eccentric Shishio (Sherlock) with the penchant for solving mysteries all the while having a cold exterior and a flair for showmanship when revealing the truth. Iwata Takanori was exceptional as Wakamiya (Watson), a doctor and friend of Shishio always available to help him try to solve the puzzles albeit being ridiculed by Shishio at every opportunity that he gets.

This 2-hour movie is well-paced and the story handled so well that it keeps you guessing until the very end. Don't give this one a miss if you enjoy mystery and suspense.

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One of the best BL series of 2022

2022 has been a great year for BL series and this one can be ranked as one of the best. This is so much more than just a simple story about 2 guys falling in love. It dared to venture in to places that no other series has gone before and has handled those topics masterfully.

In 12 episodes, we get to learn about the 5 main characters and their relationship and the journey they go through and their struggle of making sense of the situation they encounter. The back stories of the 3 kids at the start of every episode gives you a glimpse of the strong friendship they share and this explains the strong bond that they still share when they grow up. Their take on the relationship between friends, siblings, family and lovers is truly believeable and kudos to the great actors that brought that to the small screen. The kids acting is sub-par but that is easily ignored because of the strong performances of the rest of the cast.

Instead of being preachy about how love transcends gender and time, you get to see the struggle of the main characters and how they come to terms about their feelings from past and present. Certain topics regarding gender identity is managed with utmost care and stitched in to the storyline with such preciseness it opens up a different world of romantic story telling.

You might find the first few episodes to be a drag as characters are being introduced and not much happening but if you stay, you will certainly be rewarded with a great story and fabulous acting. Do give this one a watch and you will see yourself returning to it over and over.

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Short and most certainly sweet

Many like me have been waiting for a good historical BL series and this kind of delivers that. The story is rather simple and with the limited run time they were able to show some good aspects of the 2 leads life together. The first few episodes is kind of funny with the mother-in-law and sister-in-law not able to recognise that their daughter-in-law is a guy and then we have a friend that falls head-over-heels for the "wife".
The story although simple contains a potential to be something epic but unfortunately it was lost. The story starts at surface level and remains there throughout the 8 episodes. They could have used that limited time wisely by showing some great interactions between the 2 male leads instead of utilizing it on comedy. This story requires a few more episodes spanning around 30 min each to flesh it out completely, build the multiple characters and their relationships so that the ending doesn't feel rushed.
This is certainly not a bad series by any stretch and can be easily binge-watched to enjoy it.

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A promising plot abandoned

The movie starts with a narration and it immediately takes me out of it. Show don't tell. But soon it jumps into the main storyline where the ML now works as a host and has loads of debt to pay. No answers are provided how he came to work as a host after his graduation but here we are.
The narrations now takes a very different turn and the movie turns into a soft core porn. The ML is shown jumping from one sex scene to another with bizzare back stories of his clients making you wonder if those were necessary. They could have spent more time building the MLs character instead of showing kisses (tongue involved) and sex scenes with every character in the movie.
We don't come to know how the ML feels with these turn of events in his life. Is he sad or indifferent? Is money the only thing that he cares about? Too many questions that remains unanswered. Instead the movie goes for shock value.
It must not have been easy shooting all those scenes but the ML was convincing. The basic plot seemed strong and the movie could have worked hard in developing those characters and the chemistry between the professor and the ML. The cinematography was impressive and the music was good.
In conclusion, the movie had a good plot that was abandoned for sex scenes that did not help progressing it forward. There are 2 sequels to this and hopefully I might watch them at a later time.

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Elements of power dynamics and dependency

Japanese BL series have a knack for venturing into uncharted territories when it comes to plotlines, and "Taikan Yoho" is no exception. The series presents a unique array of characters, albeit not entirely fleshed out, allowing viewers to gain a sense of their backgrounds. From the very first episode, it plunges into the heart of the main storyline, gradually peeling back the layers of our two central characters.

The narrative revolves around Mizuki, a renowned and attractive weatherman, who shares his apartment with Yoh, an up-and-coming manga artist. Their peculiar connection is defined by a verbal contract, obligating Yoh to obey Mizuki's every command. As the story unfolds, we delve deeper into their relationship, largely through Yoh's introspective monologues and Mizuki's enigmatic backstory. While the initial premise appears distinct, the series eventually treads the familiar ground of miscommunication, misunderstandings, jealousy, and an ambiguous romantic relationship between the protagonists. Predictably, a supportive friend enters the scene to resolve the conflicts.

The series boasts a promising start. It effectively plants the seed of uncertainty regarding Mizuki's true feelings for Yoh. Is it genuine love, or merely a means to fulfill his desires? This lingering doubt could have been an excellent foundation if fully explored. Unfortunately, the plot at times trivializes significant issues, using them as instruments to convey one character's feelings for the other. Themes such as consent, depression, and abuse are woven within romantic contexts, which might give viewers pause and detract from their overall viewing experience.

The actors, Kouhei and Atsuki, perform commendably, given the characters they are tasked with. Mizuki emerges as an enigmatic figure with clear dependency issues, while Yoh embodies a simple, solitary individual who follows Mizuki's whims without protest. A deeper exploration of Yoh's backstory and more comprehensive character development for Mizuki would have been welcomed.

In conclusion, this suffers from shortcomings in character development and the reliance on conventional BL tropes. However, it is worth a watch for the actors' performances and an outstanding original soundtrack that accompanies the series.

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A delicious dessert with a questionable main ingredient

Lets first acknowledge the elephant in the room. Relationship between a teacher and student is fraught with ethical complexities due to power dynamics. As the series progressed I thought that I would accept it as fiction and move on but unfortunately, with the last couple of episodes, I am unable to ignore that discomfort. So this review will be based on the themes of the series.

Beyond the forbidden central romance, this is a coming-of-age story. We see the jouney of our titular character Toki. He starts of as a delinquent who is quick to anger and violence. Studies are the last thing on his mind but we see his character and outlook towards life change due to his interactions with other characters like Rise, Shinji and Takuya. He learns to take his life more seriously and values the relationships he has build with his schoolmates. Although, he starts having feelings for his homeroom teacher Sahara, he also respects him and challenges himself to change. Sahara, too goes through his own jorney of self-identification as he grapples with his past regrets.

As a teenager in school, Toki suffers from the same identity issues that people his age face. Toki post his delinquent phase, struggles with societal pressure and insecurities about his academic performance. He is visibly stressed about where he wants his future to navigate. He questions his feelings towards another individual and finds it difficult to show how caring he is towards the people that matter to him. Shinji too suffers from failure to communicate his true feelings for Todo resulting in them moving apart and losing all communication with each other.

Toki and Sahara, too find solace and strength in each other. Sahara helps Toki unleashing his best qualities while Toki helps Sahara accept his past and his failures and move ahead. They act as each others support system and are constantly looking after each other.

Hachimura Rintaro's portrayal of Toki makes this series the most entertaining. He succeeds in bringing a different charm to the character of a lovable, confused, tough but soft-hearted Toki. With an innocent countenance and a twinkle in his eye, he steals the show.

In conclusion, this series weaves together a compelling and emotionally resonant story about acceptance and the pursuit of happiness in the face of societal pressures. It speaks about rising above the past failures and turning over a new leaf.

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A compelling story marred by pacing issues

This series might take its time unfolding, but beneath its surface lies a compelling narrative that captivates with its central themes. While the acting leaves room for improvement, the series manages to resonate with viewers through its profound messages.

The storyline revolves around the two main characters, Kazuma and Ren, who cross paths during their school years. Ren's silent infatuation with Kazuma simmers beneath the surface, driven by the fear of driving him away. A tragic event separates the two, only to reunite them a decade later in the workplace. The rekindled emotions set the stage for their journey, though Ren keeps an emotional distance.

At a concise eight episodes, the series maintains an unhurried pace. It delves into the history of Kazuma and Ren during their school days and the reasons behind their separation through flashbacks. While the pacing leans towards the slow side, certain plot points, like the workplace sexual harassment case, the impact of Ren's separation from friends, family, and Kazuma, as well as Kazuma's life abroad in the US, feel somewhat rushed. However, the series earns merit for addressing important issues, albeit briefly. It sheds light on Ren's traumatic experiences as a 15-year-old ostracized by his parents and blamed for Kazuma's hospitalization, ultimately abandoned due to his sexuality. Furthermore, it introduces themes of workplace bullying, office politics, and sexual harassment, though their exploration is somewhat limited.

The acting performances by Sakurai Yuki and Takamatsu Aloha may come across as amateurish, but the child actors deliver commendable portrayals. Furukawa Tsuyoshi's role as Ren's friend, despite limited screen time, hinted at the potential for deeper exploration of their friendship.

In conclusion, "April in Tokyo" possessed the potential for greatness if it had addressed pacing issues, focused more on character relationships, and perhaps reconsidered the limited treatment of the workplace harassment subplot due to time constraints. Nevertheless, it deserves a watch, as it distinguishes itself from typical BL series by incorporating substance and depth into its storytelling.

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A series so good that it will stay with you

Amidst the backdrop of Chinese content restrictions on LGBTQ themes, this emerges as a remarkable series that transcends limitations, delivering a heartwarming tale that lingers in your thoughts. Witnessing the transformation of the two main characters from adversaries to lovers is a truly gratifying experience, subtly portraying their blossoming affection in a context where explicit declarations are constrained.

Even as the narrative draws inspiration from the original "Addicted" series, "Stay with Me" unveils the lives of two high school students, Su Yu and Wu Bi, whose personalities clash vehemently. Oblivious to the fact that their estranged parents are now married, the series deftly navigates their interactions as their connection deepens, unravelling the complexities of their family dynamics.

Within its narrative, the series embraces a spectrum of emotions, including drama, nuanced romance, friendship, unrequited love, and the intricate relationships between parents and children. It effortlessly weaves mystery and action, making each episode a captivating chapter in their journey. At the heart of the series is the brilliant portrayal of the lead characters, showcasing the remarkable talents of Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min. Xu Bin brings Wu Bi's fiery yet compassionate persona to life, capturing his internal struggles, love, and longing. His portrayal of a young man who values love over material wealth resonates deeply. Zhang Jiong Min's performance as Su Yu is equally mesmerizing. He masterfully conveys the layers of emotions beneath Su Yu's academic prowess, unveiling a character driven by unresolved feelings, yet undeterred in showing his affections.

Together, Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min convey the intricate relationships their characters share with family members and with each other. The series adeptly navigates their evolving bond through moments of conflict, jealousy, and an irresistible yearning to be together. Amidst their squabbles, the underlying affection remains unshaken, reflected in their mutual support and sacrifices for each other's happiness.

The subtlety in portraying their love is a testament to the series' finesse. While misunderstandings and fights occasionally punctuate their relationship, the unspoken emotions remain intact. Their mutual protectiveness and genuine care are reflected in their actions, whether it's Wu Bi's watchful eye on Su Yu or Su Yu's unwavering support for Wu Bi's aspirations.

In conclusion, this series triumphs as a superior adaptation, filling the void left by “Addicted”. The exceptional performances, engaging music, and heartfelt narrative combine to create an emotionally rich experience. While the series concludes with a cliffhanger, one can only hope for a second season to continue this captivating journey of love and self-discovery.

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This series will knock you down

If there is one thing that I appreciate in a series is a well written character and this one doesn’t disappoint. Although there have been countless series with young characters in love, this one just hits you differently. This is all because the series takes its time developing characters and their relationships. There is no love at first sight or true feelings hidden behind friendship or raw overwhelming emotions. Instead, we get genuine interactions between characters, inner monologues explaining what the characters feel and true portrayal of relationships between siblings, friends, parents and lovers.

Although on the outset the story is about a good guy falling for bad guy to ultimately show him the error of his ways and turning him around, this one is so much more. We have Thi, a shy, naïve and studious college student who due to multiple unfortunate circumstances ends up being a tutor for Noey who is a delinquent and a leader of a local gang. During their multiple interactions Noey starts to have feelings for Thi while Thi, although disapproving of Noey’s ways thinks he is cool.

The story moves at a slow pace taking time to show Thi and Noey and their characteristics. Thi may be naïve and a coward but when push comes to shove, he doesn’t run away from a fight. Noey on the other hand has a softer side and only his family and close friends of aware of it. What makes watching this series an entertainment is the performance of Tar (Noey). He has done a remarkable job portraying a young delinquent with a heart of gold. You can feel his frustration as well as his love in various scenes. He alone carries the weight of this entire series. Next is Ohm, the guy who plays Noey’s best friend. The brotherhood between the two characters is portrayed rather astoundingly throughout the series. I didn’t enjoy the role of Thi as in many scenes he appears way naïve for his age although I do feel that Bom who plays Thi has done all that he could to play this faulty character.

In conclusion, this series wins in my book for a great storyline, wonderful actors, some good cinematography and nice soundtrack. I watched all the end credits to enjoy the little dance between the 2 characters.

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What happens when 2 toxic people like each other?

This series certainly doesn't answer that question. It is a convoluted mess of multiple characters all concerned about just one goal and that is to get the 2 leads to be in a relationship. The story line had so much potential but the writer just couldn't understand what to do with the 2 toxic leads and just added multiple characters with no other motivation but to hope and pray that these 2 seriously broken people fall in love.
To summarize, the story, is about two playboys who meet and decide to be friends with benefits. But the first lead (Fahlan) can't help himself from being jealous, become a push-over and get punched and slapped multiple times. Next we have Sherbert, who can't stop himself from fighting with Fahlan over everything, cry, drink, forgive Fahlan, have sex, rinse and repeat.
And then you have a wide variety of supportive characters who only talk about what Fah and Sher are doing. "Are they together? Have they broken-up? " OMG! find a hobby. So many characters have been introduced that you cant keep pace with what is happening. Fah's 2 friends, Sher's twin brother and his lover interest, and his half-brother, Sher's best friend and his love interest, a fujoshi and her love interest and other random set of characters that dont play any role in furthering the story. Instead they just tell you what you have already seen.
The strangest thing that I have seen in this series is the amount of time these characters go to eat or drink. In fact they just eat, talk, fight and drink and go back to eating. You can righfully call the food and drinks as supportive characters for how often its on screen and being talked about.
In conclusion, take heed from all the other reviews and either skip this series or watch it using the fast forward button like I did.

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A string of random events

Like many here, I read the reviews for the series before I decided to give it a watch and this was certainly a wild ride. The basic plot is simple, 2 boys at school with different personalities meet, spend time together and fall in love amidst pressure from parents and society to some extent. However, the way the series has been directed, the story gets more and more convoluted as it progresses and when you reach the finale the issues are simply resolved and you wonder whether you skipped an episode or two.
The sound recording has been atrocious at places and the dialogue is confusing. The acting has been mediocre but considering all the actors have been young, I can give that a pass. But credit where credit is due, the only thing that made me not give up on this BL was the chemistry between the 2 leads. The acting chops may be lacking but in certain scenes I could feel the spark between them.
I have seen the same actors in other series and their acting skills have certainly improved. So kudos to them. That being said, this series isnt complelety hopeless and can certainly be recommended when you are feeling lazy and can't find anything good to watch.

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A Flavorful Blend of Love

"Sugar Dog Life" is a delightful Japanese BL series that explores the transformative power of food and human connection. As a university student and a lonely police officer forge an unlikely bond over home-cooked meals, the series offers a heartwarming and flavorful narrative that connects with us.

The series' central focus on food is a delightful aspect that sets it apart. Isumi's culinary expertise is showcased through a variety of mouthwatering dishes, each one serving as a metaphor for nourishment, comfort, and shared experiences. From the hearty stews to the delicate desserts, the food in "Sugar Dog Life" is more than just sustenance; it's a language of love and understanding.

The characters of Isumi and Amasawa are beautifully portrayed by Tawada Hideya and Tanaka Koki, respectively. Their chemistry is palpable, and their growth throughout the series is heartwarming to witness. Isumi's unwavering dedication to providing Amasawa with delicious home-cooked meals reflects his genuine care and compassion. Amasawa, in turn, is transformed by the warmth and comfort he finds in Isumi's cooking and companionship.

While the series' pacing is somewhat slow-burn, it allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and the development of their relationship. The supporting characters, though limited in screen time, add depth and context to the story.

In conclusion, "Sugar Dog Life" is a charming and heartwarming BL series that offers a unique blend of culinary delights and emotional depth. The characters are well-developed, the performances are strong, and the exploration of the transformative power of food is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of BL dramas or simply enjoy a good story with a culinary twist, "Sugar Dog Life" is a series worth savoring.

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A stale Spin-off lacking substance

The spin-off episode of 'Takara no Vidro' fails to capitalize on its potential. The lack of character development and progression is particularly disappointing. The episode feels like a filler, offering little new to fans of the show.

It was indeed heart-warming to see that Takara and Taishin are still going strong in their relationship but there are still significant things they are unaware about each other. Feels like, although the relationship is strong, there is lack of communication between the main characters. There is no growth or understanding between them.

A potential spin-off theme could have been exploring Takara’s past with his parents and exploring the reasons behind his guarded nature and the events that shaped his personality. Juxtaposing his past experiences with his current relationship with Taishin could create a compelling narrative arc
In conclusion, there is no loss if viewers miss this episode as there is nothing new of offer

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A Promising Start: Its Potential and Pitfalls

The series presents a heartwarming tale of friendship and personal growth. The series follows Taishin, a simple-minded student who develops feelings for Takara, a more complex and guarded individual. While the series showcases Taishin's character development effectively, Takara's character remains somewhat one-dimensional.

The pacing of the series can be uneven. With every episode we witness the character development of Taishin from being simple and easily swayed, to one with a bit of confidence through the support of Takara. Takara on the other hand, is a complex character. He fears his controlling nature thereby distancing himself from relationships albeit being the most popular student who learns to love someone through Taishin’s encouragement.

The series however, fails to capture the potential of Takara’s character. We keep hearing him complain about his ‘getting what he wants’ nature but never see that in action. Instead, we see Taishin stumbling daily around his feelings towards Takara. It gets old and tiresome pretty soon. The series would have benefited greatly in showing Takara manipulating Taishin to love him, only to grow through out the series and genuinely love Taishin. Also, the lack of chemistry between the lead characters is a notable drawback, hindering the emotional connection with the story.

In conclusion, despite these shortcomings, Takara no Vidro offers moments of tenderness and heartwarming interactions. Taishin's unwavering dedication and loyalty to Takara are admirable, and the series provides a glimpse into the challenges of navigating a complex relationship.

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A story about love, acceptance and overcoming obstacles

This is a series about how through friendship, love, support and acceptance. It is a story about Kohei who suffers from partial hearing loss and distances himself from his classmates until he finds a cheerful and occasionally dense Taichi who treats him like a friend. Slowly Kohei, through Taichi’s support opens himself to new experiences and what starts as a friendship develops into something more.

The strength of the show lies in its genuine exploration of disability and the power of human connection. Kohei and Taichi come from two different worlds but thanks to a chance encounter they begin talking and influencing each other lives. Nakazawa Motoki with his expressions and a sweet smile showcases the inner turmoil of a disabled person in a society that fails to understand him. Kobayashi Toranosuke as Taichi is loud and care-free but ultimately a person who is trying to discover himself. As the story progresses their bond influences them, as they realise what they really need.

The series, however suffers from slow pacing. Certain episodes seem long-winded and showcase nothing new or play as character-development. Also, the introduction of Maya is abrupt and plays no role in progressing the plot, other than increasing the time or creating unnecessary angst between the main characters. The rest of the supporting characters like Kohei’s mom and Taichi’s grandad take the role of guides who direct the main characters towards the right path.

In conclusion, the series is a good mix of emotions, drama and romance but suffers from pacing issues. However, it remains a heartwarming and uplifting watch, offering a unique perspective on disability and the power of friendship.

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