J-atty

A little to calm for its own good

This was a likable series depicting childhood trauma being healed through patience and love. While there were nice moments, in the beginning, I couldn't connect with Minato. He's close with his brother due to family issues of abandonment, so he keeps pretty closed off to any romantic emotional ties to anyone. He sleeps with drunk Shizuma but gets angry as he doesn't remember which is understandable. Then he proceeds to teach him a 'lesson'. He admits Shizuma is kind and loving, and after spending time with him, yet still he continues the plan.

It just felt hollow. Shizuma and those around treated him like he was like fine china. He's not shallow, but his actions seem lacking credibility. When it switches to him finally accepting Shizuma's honesty and love, the journey still ripples along. In the end, he admits that he has always loved him from the moment they met. The warmth he feels while being held by Shizuma is something he can't let go of. So why continue the pretense when Shizuma clearly shows the conviction of his love and commitment to him? It feels too light to be impactful. Go to therapy and learn to trust what you both share. It's not that his fears aren't valid, but I kept asking myself, "Does he love himself?"

Everything was done right, from production to acting, so that leaves the script. It lingers on with no real info or insightful moments. The background characters at the bar were a compliment to the story. I understood Shizuma's mindset from his position from straight to gay. His expression of well wishes for his ex even though she hurt him would make his love for Minato true. Most films have a gay awakening moment, his transitioned naturally as he showed he genuinely cared about people.

As I said, I liked the series, but the issues dealt with seemed surface value and could have been a little more meatier.

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I hate how much I love it!

I hate what this did to me. I hate the director, screenwriter and every single actor. They broke me. I hate the 16+ hours of pain that I willingly and eagerly felt for this series. I hate that none will ever come close to this level of storytelling. I hate that I won’t ever watch it again. Like my other favorites Egoist and 180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us, it will live in memory and not rewatched to nitpick after. This is the first series that I've ever happily rated 10. It was perfect.

I loved the cycle of life relived through generations. I loved the enduring love, the late love, the forgiving love and parental love. Every parent loves their children but some may not know how to teach them to fly. I loved the failings of both. It showed their imperfect love. I loved the hedge formed around them and the admiration. I loved their resilience.

I will not lift one performance above another. They all did exceptional work. Even the ones we were supposed to hate. This series deserved all the accolades it received. Beautiful cinematography. This was a very satisfying watch. It brought the emotions out, raw and flowing. Watch with boxes of tissue and bottles of water. You’re going to need it.

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Are they already dead?

The problem with Exclusive Love is that the formula being used is outdated. The storyline is actually interesting on paper, but the experience of it was not. Where was the drama? The well modulated tones of each actor seemed more of a sedative than an energizer. It does nothing to the performances that drag on for no apparent reason. 10 episodes in, and I was questioning why all this could not have wrapped up in 5. Granted, they're part of the funeral business, but they're not dead.

Moments are missed when the romance could have been enhanced but falls flat. TDZ asks WZ to lay on a table to show him how the dead, in their final moments before burial, are treated with respect. He proceeds to use oil to massage WZ. They're interrupted, and I happily say with good reason. It did not have the intensity needed and was as boring as paint drying. TDZ, who has feelings for WZ, was not affected by actually touching the pliant flesh being manipulated by his fingers.

The impending death of TDZ's brother brought no urgency to the story to push it further but more of the dull lackluster acting. On hearing that, Ian has feelings for him, WZ is shocked. I am truly grateful for the addition of Ian, as he is the only one who seems to still be in the land of the living. The second couple fared a little better but not by much. The subterfuge of JH inadvertently got YQ to the point of reaching the alter. A double wedding that fit well into the lifeless pattern of this series. The one aspect that really irked me was the living funeral. Why? Anyone will speak kind words when they know that you are dying. How everyone treats you in the course of your life is what should matter.

Taiwan used to produce intriguing storylines and enigmatic acting. Sadly, this is a reminder that everything changes and has an end. In this case, thankfully, also. 12 episodes was too much of this dribble. If after watching, your consensus is the same, don't say I didn't warn you.

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Il Jo and his love

You know a story is entertaining when you bypass all the flaws and still switch on, anticipating the enjoyment of what is to come. Yes, there were major flaws. Repetitive dialogue. A clueless, possessive dictator when all the clues were right before his eyes. How could he not know that Jeong In was threatening Il Jo? Why did he take so long to take action? Why did Il Jo allow himself to be a punching bag, when he could have come clean from the moment he knew Jeong Han loved him? Yes, the flaws were in the script and a bit of over the top petulant acting. Hey, that's Korea but they deliver.

Il Jo stepped into Jeong Han's life and his heart. He held up the mirror, causing him to see his true self and showed him how to love. From the moment this started, I was curious to see how they would meander the course to be together. There were moments of rage, disdain, pity, passion and love. The spots of humor enlivened the mostly dark and sombre plot. Jeong Han, in his delirium, begging Il Jo to stay, when in fact it was Jae snapping him back to reality was good. At the end, through all the muddle, they found their way back to each other. For his miniature stature, Il Jo weilded most of the power in their relationship by his actions. The cafe owner proved to be a true friend. Although, he had other wishes for Il Jo, he backed his decision to return to Jeong Han. His happiness meant more.

Jeong and Yoon acted well together. Their break up scene in the bedroom was raw and phenomenal. Their happy moments - cute. Their physical interractions - intense. Admittedly, Lee Dong Joo shone in the role of the drug addicted psycho half brother and helped make the series that much better. Perfectly cast for he delivered with his depravity. The series length was perfect and also the last few scenes at the airport. Jeong Han needed to trust what he had with Il Jo and allow him to make his own choices. It ended on the right note.

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Funny and Sweet

This was a nicely done series that truly was a pleasure to watch. All the characters were likeable and visually a perfect match. While this is classed as a romance, what stood out was the strong bonds of friendship between them all. They stood together and always willing to assist in times of need. A little ribbing along the way but the honesty was remarkable.

Ter and Hill's story was told over the entire series mainly as the connection to all the characters. It was a bit childlike and innocent but filled with too much saccharin. Sweetness overload. Pond's acting range is so far above this series that it was a struggle to see the benign look on his face every week. One would think he took a valium or smoked something, to be so bland. I hope he doesn't repeat this error. Earth is the perennial Peter Pan character and it has become tedious. Any rage or frustration was shown in flashbacks. In the present, Ter was treated like fine China with no real passion. Cotton balls and tender touches. This is not college age. I will say, Ter as a shipper and concerned friend was a nice watch.

North and Johan's relationship from beginning to end was the highlight we didn't know we needed but craved weekly. Maxky and Bas are natural comics with amazing chemistry and they aced every scene. North is the love everyone should have in their lives. Simple, dedicated, loyal and honest. He took his time to know his mind and once he knew, he held on to Johan as if his life had now begun. Johan, after waiting three years, finally had the opportunity to give back to the person who gave meaning and direction to his existance. He shed the coat of playboy and surrounded himself with the greatest joy he will ever know. North claiming his man publicly... pure gold. This is the stuff love stories are made of. Perfection. My only issue with Johan is the way North has to kiss him to get what he wants. It gives the impression of using this as payment for his love. Poor message. It fits his high handed character's traits but not nice to see.

The promised second season should see the completion of the other stories. With 17 episodes of this, I believe all could have been told had it been lengthened to 20 with 5 chapters per couple. Phoon, Fah, Arthit and Dao would have to wait. The hope Tiger got from Nao leaning his head on his shoulder was a nice touch to the ending.

The script between Hill and Ter could have done with a couple revisions as it was not enticing and a bit repetitive. Jo and North hit the mark very well with funny tit bits and romantic interludes. The comradery amongst all was a great addition to the script. Conflicts were handled swiftly and not lengthened to prolong an already lengthy series.

Rewatch, definitely yes. Mainly for Jo and North but all the friendhips of Arthrit and Fah.

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Different Kind of Happy

Very rare a series can pull off both stark grittiness and tender love as this did. This is not about a romantic tender love but of two people meeting at the worst times in their lives, needing what only the other could give and held on.

Chihiro stuck in a cycle of exchanging sex for being taken care of by whomever, all in the name of 'love'. He couldn't get past the betrayal he endured when his secret lover dumped him and got married. Aimless and jobless he sleeps around, not caring what tomorrow brought. Until he met Keito.

Keito, abandoned, abused and mutilated, mired in the sex trade by Maya, a drug addicted sex peddler. Maya keeps undocumented and forgotten youths hostage with the threat of violence due to his erratic behaviour. Keito, broken by his circumstances, doesn't have a desire to escape, until he overhears Maya agreeing with a customer that Keito can be killed if they wish. Here, the spark for life is ignited and runs away. Hired to retrieve stolen items, he meets Chihiro.

Their meeting is as voilent as their surroundings, but something attracts Chihiro to Keito and he is unwilling to let go. Keito is cold and blunt. Chihiro is still a bit niaive but completely open and honest. Somehow, they fit. Through unorthodox methods, Keito saves Chihiro by showing him how much he is worth. Chihiro, over numerous events, reciprocates the love through his loyalty and care.

The stark brutality is ever present and not for everyone. The scenes are graphic and Maya's offensiveness can be off putting. The series is still very beautiful for it's points of views and the telling of it. The actors did a brilliant job and truly embodied their roles. Even to the point of evoking sentiment where needed. The production was perfect with the depiction of the cold sordid environment to contrast their love as it blooms. Against all odds, love can grow even here.

Definitely worth the watch. Japan didn't disappoint.

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The Cat Whisperers

I put off watching this because I'm not a fan of animals 'speaking'. It's the voices and too many animal shots. But something kept nagging at me and I couldn't let it go. I feared I would miss out on seeing Khao in a different setting. I'm happy that I gave in.

The show served a meal of predictably. The calmness of the script was so against what they were in for the past few years and it took a lot of getting used to. I began to wonder when the exceptional would happen. Then Lynx had a dream in the last episode that would leave me a mess. Napkins aplenty. He pulled one of the most emotional farewell scenes ever written. The ribbons streams, the messages and his tesrful pleading with mother. His actual goodbye to JuJu the next morning was so eloquent in the understatement. The tear that fell then the breakdown. Perfect.

Khao deserves the praise. He fluctuates effortlessly between his emotions. He can reel it in and dish it out with the perfect pitch. First did well also, as the cat whisperer. More sedated but that's the role.

The other support actors did deliver in their roles. Great is another who has the power to captivate and charm.

I am so glad that I got to see this. My main thing is that it landed on the perfect balance and left a warm feeling at the end.

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A step in the right direction

It was a change from the regular format and this I wholeheartedly endorsed. A stretch but the right step. Being inundated with either mundane scripts full of fluff or the mini series that sit in 2 rooms, (bar and bedroom. You all know what I'm talking about. If I see one more bar with all the post it notes and background chatter, I'll have to give kbl a rest).

It proceeded well until ep 5. The cat and mouse game was on. Then for some inexplicable reason Tae Jeong proved to be the most clueless police officer with no survival instincts whatsoever. He did the service a favor by resigning. Tae Jeong expecting Seo I Do to go to the police station and help him clear the whole mess up was priceless stupidity in action. The gut punch was warranted.

It's fine that the story tied itself up by killing everyone but the love birds. When said cockroaches, it felt like that. One after the other the cockroaches came out to die.

The love between the two was not credible but hey, love at first sight happens or Tae Jeong cluelessness blinded his judgement. It just wasn't felt. The ending totally expected.

Why did I like it, again what we have been getting had become the norm and it was different. There were moments of suspense. Now, add more money and polish to the script and we might have something bigger. Oh, before I forget, the acting was bordering on okay to midling. Nothing spectacular but it did the job. Lastly, what worked in its favor - 20 min ep.

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The Smart Jellyfish

Never underestimate a silent man. He is not stupid. He is not clueless. He is doing what most do out loud- Thinking. This series brought out two emotions constantly. Frustration and awe.

Frustration:
Lack of communication by both.
Lu Xin's twisted audacity.
LXF's lack of pride.
LXF's soup. Replaced by congee. Both making a final appearance in ep 12. Consistent to the end.
LXF's brother, sister and father. The mother gets a pass. Barely.
BLQ's mother. Appeared once and was the most vulgar just by looking at her.
LZY's duplicitous behavior on occasion.
LT's complete lack of morals. He needs a special mention. Proved to be the most stupid of them all.

Awe:
LXF proving there was brain activity between his two ears.
LXF's ability to show compassion to nearly everyone and understand their pain.
LXF finding the spine to walk away from everything.
BLQ's desire to marry him never wavered even on the brink of bankruptcy.
Old Bei's fairness for LXF. Yes, he still tried to protect the Bei's name, but through it all, he respected him.
LZY's love/hate relationship with LXF. He couldn’t understand his simplicity but was a better friend to him than most by trying to wisen him up.
LZY's undying loyalty to BLQ.
The guy probing his loyalty throughout to LXF after LXF helped him and his father after being beaten by BLQ's crew.
LXF's mother accepting her son being used like a woman. This one nearly took me out. I cackled.
LXF finally getting his man.
BLQ proving his love for LXF over the years. If only LXF had the wattage at the time to see. The phone fiasco. Wow!!
LXF's mother giving her disgusting family a final no. Seeing the worth of her son and her failings as a mother.


Paraphrasing:
"I just want to be remembered. Even if it’s hate."
Sigh. Don't we all.

The story in itself was a little above average when the last three episodes are taken into consideration. It progressed as a bundle of loose threads that seemed to keep loosing and retying with every greedy or narcissistic act of Lu Tao and Lu Xin and lack of communication from both mls. There were many a time I felt the urge to use violence against both.

I especially liked ep 12. Connecting the dots neartly without it feeling rushed. Seeing their happy domesticated life. BLQ proving still at the end, he'd do anything to make LXF happy.

Whatever it lacked was made up for by being very entertaining.

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Where is the pulse?

There is nothing here that is a must see.
Same formula. Turning the best friend into an enemy to make the new guy favorable.
Normal acting bordering on lackluster. ML actor lifeless even when he is happy.
Serene plot. Predictable. Best friend who knew him for years doesn't reach / know / help him as the one who the ml has always loved.
I won’t hold the budget against it but it showed and the acting didn't make it any better.

The best part is that it was only 8 ep at 20 min. It is not horrible it was just boring. There was no dimension to the XXY and it made the story suffer. He didn't have romantic feelings for his best friend, which is fine, but was content to live off of him for years due to his trauma. Meets Jing An again and decides to finally do what his best friend has been trying to get him to do for years. Throw in the bullies and that's the script.

Recently China has shown what it can accomplish, this should not be held against them. It just needed a pulse.

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The Most Annoying Little Golden Nugget

There is a saying: Short people have the biggest voice to make up for their height. Well, Zen proved it over and over and over again. I spent 8.5 ep trying my best to like the little golden nugget. I mean, look at him. Just adorable once he keeps those lips shut, leans his head on Ryo and something in his mouth. He has the most irritating combative personality ever. I was so turned off by most of it until the mop head turtle faced parrot came in. Futami took over and instantly made Zen appear more loveable. I think Ryo is a saint. A boyfriend that acts like a steel brush and a friend like an ear worm.

Futami had a purpose tho, he finally made Zen be openly honest. Now Zen has his nice side, instantly popping up when Ryo said he missed him, I'm not disputing that but everything else overshadows his soft side. Ryo, on the other hand, wanted him for so long, he basically coolly relinquished his power just to keep him in his peripherals.

Now to the plot. What plot? Two guys learning to communicate after being rivals. Japan has a way of making something out of nothing. They succeeded. The only thing I would seriously change was Zen's pitch. I had to turn the volume down and strain at the same time to hear Ryo. It was just rubbing me the wrong way. The one thing I did like, their rivalry covered their romantic relationship, so that they had time to develop without the office snoops being on their scent.

Overall, it was a typical JBL and it was not disappointing. The were believable in their roles and other than minor repeated behaviors, the pacing was good for the length. The conversations were real and brutal. If you can endure the constant clashing with a heavy dose of unnecessary misunderstanding, go for it.

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It's a comedy, right?

Gu jin nan qiu, what can be said? Don't! Unless you have 3 min to spare and need a good laugh at the pure absurdity of every episode. If not, don't. This is the worst. Waste of effort on both parties. The entire production and the viewer. I will admit I stuck around when I switched from viewing it as a drama and turned it into a comedy. Only then it became bearable. Special mention of the volatile cousin and the security guard. One pranced around like a vindictive prima donna and the other a bumbling clown. Yes, heavy on the melodrama.

I'm leaning towards the idea that the director gave them free reign to do whatever they wanted. Nothing and I do mean nothing was cohesive, consistent or rewarding in any way. Had they got a better script, toned down the cousin's erratic melodrama, kept the meter at the other three actors and built from there, it might have been passable. Even though the budget was limited. This was the lowest of the low.

Visuals were there. OK, one good thing. Seriously, do better. Yes, there is an audience for China bl. There will never be an audience for chaotic absurdity aka crap. The open ending created a bit of interest within the chaos but still lost.

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Engaging production of love and dance

This lived up to the expectation of two polar opposites falling in love in the world of dance. One fiery, bold and full of passion on and off the dance floor. The other elegant, polished and a perfectionist. Visually and tempermentally contrasting, they fought to find the balance. What one lacked the other supplied in movement style and execution. They sharpened each other whilst falling in love. Sugiki and Suzuki were well matched but never equals.

They commanded the screen. Every frame held my attention from the moment it began to the end. The storyline was as expected and then it wasn't. They both admired each other for their technique and style. Being drawn to one another reached a head on the train. That scene was artistically and beautifully done. Previous hesitations, gave way to honesty. It is within this honesty, that Suzuki pushes and prods to get more of him. Sugiki opens the doors for him to reach to greater heights. Their love is apparent in every action. Their love language - dance. The final scene was as I hoped it would be. Previously, Sugiki rejected a night with Suzuki acknowledging they could never be one. In the final scene, in front of the entire Japanese Dance competition, Sugiki proved his love. He chose Suzuki as his dance partner. Unwilling to face the hurt of seeing Sugiki dance with his partner, Suzuki's back was turned. Then he heard him. Shocked, hesitating for a brief moment, he reaches for the outstretched hand and follows. At the end, uncontrolled, Suzuki kisses him. He responds. His parting words give Suzuki the clarity he needs. He smiles.

I loved the entire production. Machida and Takeuchi filled it admirably. My only drawbacks were that even in the heated part of their relationship, it still felt a bit clinical. Reserved. The kiss on the train did not up the pace in their interractions at it still felt restrained. There was no hunger from Sugiki. If this was a parallel love, where was Suzuki's voice? I'm hoping there is another part that would place them head to head and equals. Also, the backdrop for the Cuban style community was admirably done but it lacked a bit of credibility.

Final take, this was worth the wait and the watch.

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Shirasaki's Pity Party

I truly loved the character of Asami. He was private, introspective and warm. His face radiated a quiet love for Shirasaki and it was felt. S1 ended with both of them declaring their love and here with each episode, it felt that it kept growing and maturing. S2 started beautifully with open communication, keeping both of them on the same wavelength and in sync. They both decided to audition for the same role and then it happened.

For nine episodes I couldn't wrap my head around Shirasaki and his mindset. Why was everything always on his terms? They separate for the audition until he gets the role, then all is well again. While Asami's kept everything he was going through to himself, he was never petulant with him. There was a necessity in the harshness of Shirasaki's words, I believe Asami needed to hear them. Reason being, everything Asami did was to please everyone but himself. What I didn't like was the selfish breakdown Shirasaki was having and during such, lashed out. Asami had always seen him through love and it was a shame that Shirasaki's pity party was the moment he chose to reset Asami's compass. I'm a bit disappointed in this version of Shirasaki. S2 made it about a self created competition to be worthy to stand by his partner when his partner already thought he was worthy as is. Shirasaki came off as clingy, selfish and childish. Last ep of S1 showed us differently. Disheartening. Tho Asami who knows him best says, "Thank you Shirasaki, for letting me meet you". He knows what was said, needed to be said. It is only in the final episode with the success of the play, Shirasaki and Asami repair their relationship. Both happy to have met each other.

I still prefer S1 to S2. The actors delivered believable performances and it was interesting to a certain degree. I may watch it again.

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Not there yet... so why?

Sukfilm usually delivers in this format. Short. Low low budget but decent. While the storyline in itself was interesting enough, the tall male lead was not. If it wasn't for the cheeky and cheerful disposition of the shorter male lead, there would be no need to watch. He is as stiff as cardboard and has the personality of paint. His sister, his friend and obviously his love interest had some vitality, he sadly was very tedious. I should also add, it's not all the scripts fault, which was more choppy than usual, it's him. Sadly, he appeared in another, Bound Contract and pretty much was just as unlively.

Sukfilm produced much better fare in the past. Bad Guy, Blue Boys and Soeul Blues had better actors, continuity and script. So what's going on. I hope this is just an anomaly and they revert to getting the best actors that can deliver within budget.

These shorts are usually a sweet treat where much brain activity is not needed. This left a mostly bland taste due to one actor, which is a shame. Still, I'll be looking out for more from Sukfilm or at least rewatch the good ones.

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