asianblreviews
All characters are flawed, there is no real hero or villain
KinnPorsche is largely amoral towards any crimes and mafia activity. It also hardly passes judgment on what kinds of behaviour are ‘wrong’ or questionable, merely serving as a mirror to reflect how the flaws of damaged humans.The series vacillates between three poles: the dark (violence), the light (humour), and the fluffy (romance).
Kinn’s family and their bodyguards speak only one common language – violence. Entangled in a complex web of rivalries where their survival is threatened, Porsche quickly learns that trust is a commodity that few can afford in Kinn’s world.
Kinn is drawn to Porsche’s playful innocence and carefree nature. But the realisation sinks in quickly; there’s no way they can live like other ordinary couples. If only he could shed his skin and be rid of his responsibilities to become neither a leader of a mafia ring nor his father’s son – just Kinn, a man who wants to be with Porsche.
And here comes the fluffy part. At times, the relationship between Kinn and Porsche seems just like any other typical BL. They rain kisses on each other’s cheeks and whisper sweet nothings like teenagers in love.
The trailer for KinnPorsche created the impression that the series is sinister, violent, and moody. But the show turned out to be less dark than I expected. Personally, I found some of these supposedly humorous moments a little cringey to sit through – the worst of the lot being Porsche’s incompetent fails in the earlier episodes, which made him look unnecessarily immature and silly.
But overall, KinnPorsche is an amazing BL. With moral ambiguity, wild intimacy scenes (a word of caution: I strongly recommend you watch it with headphones), stunning fight sequences and a very different brand of ‘romance’ from what BL fans are used to, KinnPorsche is groundbreaking in its own right.
Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/10/kinnporsche-2022-review-bl/
My analysis of the last episode + all unanswered questions here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/11/kinn-porsche-ending-explained/
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More food videography masterclass than BL
Unlike most Thai BLs, Bite Me moves at much slower pace. I’m fine with slow-moving shows but some scenes were needlessly sluggish.The biggest problem is that it has an underdeveloped storyline, which is a real shame because the storyline between Aue and Aek got off to a promising start.
The BL gradually lost its way. The show was set up to hint at both Aek and Aue’s development chefs, but this was hardly addressed. The strangest thing was that the introduction of potential antagonists (Mu and Wiphob) also turned out to be quite unnecessary. None of these characters or tensions were properly fleshed out.
Bite Me definitely succeeded as a food videography masterclass because of all the artistic food preparation scenes. But as a BL with proper drama? Nah, not even close.
Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/11/27/bite-me-2021/
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Weak resolution & ending but the rest of the show works
The initial worry was that this would turn out to be another F4 Thailand-esque bully-redemption-arc type of story, but in the BL universe. If you’re reluctant to watch this because you think Kanghan’s character is going to be horribly problematic, well, I’d have to tell you that you’re kinda right. But it gets better real quick.The first episodes are a hard(er) watch precisely because Kanghan’s character is downright insufferable and cringey. It’s nothing to do with Perth’s acting, mind you, but rather, demonstrating how Kanghan is in an awkward phase of his teenage life where he’s still processing his identity and self-worth.
Some commenters are quick to point out that Chimon doesn’t look like he’s too whipped for Perth, but I wouldn’t worry about this. The romance develops organically and has its sweet moments – more importantly, the actors are decent enough to carry the narrative.
It also has some pretty awesome side couples featuring Marc and Pawin. I’ve been following them since My Gear And Your Gown and I think they make a pretty good second couple.
In my opinion, though, the show also wasted a perfectly good opportunity to showcase more of Saifah and Name’s relationship, which had a completely different dynamic from Sailom and Kanghan.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/16/dangerous-romance-2023-bl-review/
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Unfair to hold it to typical BL standards
You can’t go in expecting typical BL material. But if you appreciate two troubled guys finding comfort in each other, this is it.With a little reading between the lines, there is still plenty of evidence to suggest that their relationship goes beyond just friendship.
As a detective, Ichiro is a stickler for law and order. A lonely young man with a tragic past, he rarely lets anyone in, mostly keeping to himself. On the other side of the law, Shiro is a young and ruthless yakuza leader who turned to a life of vice and violence after his sister’s disappearance. While he has an outgoing exterior and nonchalant attitude, this only masks his deeper fears of abandonment.
Brought together by a chance encounter, the yakuza leader and the public security bureau officer discover a more profound connection than they expected. They are the unlikeliest of pairings but what can I say? Opposites attract.
A fairly wide range of characters propel the show forward. The backbone of the narrative is a sinister plot involving a network of politicians, agents and gang members. And this is really what drives the show. The relationship between Ichiro and Shiro is, unfortunately (and disappointingly for some), secondary.
But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the story for what it is. Even the is-this-BL-or-not ambiguity.
Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-review-2022-unfair-to-hold-it-to-typical-bl-standards/
Analysis of why I think they're more than friends: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-episode-breakdown-why-theyre-more-than-just-friends/
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Second chances come with baggage
The show speaks to anyone who have loved someone, lost that same someone, and now occasionally harbours thoughts of “what if?”What this series does is to capture perfectly the anticipation of meeting an old flame for the second time. As attraction increases between them, so does the emotional vulnerability.
Takashi and Miyata have to confront the uncomfortable reality of why their relationship failed to work out before and whether there is hope for a second attempt.
After all, second chances come with baggage.
With just six episodes, the character growth of the characters could not be fleshed out fully. But I suspect that this BL is so popular because it mirrors real life to a large extent, revolving around the fragility of relationships and the importance of timing.
Sometimes, saying goodbye doesn’t mean losing someone forever. It means see you next time at another point in our lives.
See more reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/
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Reinventing Thai mythology for a modern romance
It’s quite hard to pinpoint the genre of this series because it combines so many – historical fantasy, true crime, comedy and BL — and rolls it into one jam packed series.What I liked about The Sign is that it’s a uniquely Thai production and showcases the potential for Thai soft power.
The show is a real cultural treat as it weaves in the battle between the Naga and Garuda, spinning a rich tale of Thai mythology reimagined for modern times. At the heart of The Sign is a trope that we are not unfamiliar with; a Romeo and Juliet-esque tragedy, the forbidden romance that spans generations.
The Sign hasn’t gotten much publicity but it’s probably one of the more underrated BLs so far this year.
There’s nothing to hate about it. BUT save for the mythological element, which is unique to The Sign, there was also nothing particularly memorable about the storyline.
The story is well-paced but the ending proved to be on the weaker side. The resolution came a little too easily, and was rather abrupt and anticlimactic.
Overall, though, the show is still highly enjoyable because of Billy and Babe’s good onscreen chemistry – one of Billy’s many talents is having chemistry with anyone, even a plastic chair.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/04/07/the-sign-2023-bl-review/
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I wish this was a series instead
Tell The World I Love You tells a story about the latchkey youth of Bangkok, featuring a narrative littered with drugs, violence and endless cycles of revenge.The film has no intimacy scenes. But somehow, it still manages to be rather romantic. It tells a story of various characters, each coping with their own loneliness and finding a reason to live (and die) because of other people.
I love that much of the film is drenched in a moody aesthetic, serving as a constant visual reminder of the characters’ loneliness. I wish this was a series instead so that they could spend more time fleshing out the story and the difficult/ambiguous life choices made by individuals.
Although expressed in different ways, “escape” is a recurring theme for these teenagers.
When Keng realises he’s eligible to apply for a scholarship to go to China, life is imbued with new meaning as another life path opens up for him.
The irony of Tai's love is that as he helps Keng escape his current circumstances, he finds himself trapped instead.
And for Boang, whose only family member is his grandmother, he has lived an aimlessly bleak life until Keng showed up. Keng might just be his way out.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/04/15/tell-the-world-i-love-you-2022-movie/
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Unexpectedly extraordinary
JimmySea have not gotten any exceptional roles so far – ViceVersa fell a little flat and felt like unfulfilled potential – but their effort has paid off in Last Twilight. Every detail in the show demonstrates how they have paid attention to the little things.And then there’s Mark Pakin. who has once again proven to be a versatile actor with range. The scene of him eating beef stew and exchanging a few (seemingly innocuous but profoundly meaningful) sentences with his mother and brother was probably one of the most skilfully-executed scenes.
The storyline isn't terribly original (unlikely caretaker becomes the caretaker of a privileged person with a disability) but it has superb execution: Exceptional chemistry, thoughtful writing, and spectacular acting.
Some fans took issue with the ending of episode 11 (the famed the episode 11 curse strikes back), and I thought there could have been a less abrupt way around it. But all in all, nothing too damaging that it completely wrecks the other merits of the show.
This one will go in the history books as a love story to rewatch.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/26/bl-last-twilight-2023-review/
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Too over-the-top for my liking
While this sounds like a run-of-the-mill office romance, Middleman’s Love is, in fact, the most over-the-top show I’ve seen recently. Typical of Mandee BLs, expect off-kilter humour, absolutely ridiculous visuals and wonky sound effects all around.I love Tutor and Yim’s cute dynamic (and great visuals!) but Mandee’s over-the-top scripting makes the story a little cringey. Some people see it as a way to evoke laughter, but this is just not really my thing.
The side couples, King and Uea (from Bed Friend) and Tong and Gus (new pairing) bring some variety but also predictability to the cadence of the show since Jade can get a little over-the-top as a character.
The censored YouTube cut, which is shorter, gives you the minimum info you would require to understand the story, but the quality of the story and the depth of the relationship development suffers quite a bit from the edit. Spicy scenes are left out (understandably so, since it’s a censored version) and some extended emotional scenes are truncated, which makes the show seem even more shallow than it actually is.
Speaking of which, the spicy scene between Mai and Jade was WACK. I wanted to bury my face in the ground from the secondhand embarrassment. Just, um, sorry, no.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/07/middlemans-love-2023-bl-review/
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Classic love story of childhood friends
The characters in Kimi ni wa Todokanai capture the delightful tension that comes with falling in love with a friend. A flick of the hair, a touch on the wrist, the way the sunlight falls on their cheeks. The slightest of gestures that make your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of its chest.The show takes the viewers through the whole process of discovery, denial, awakening and finally, happily ever after.
But as far as stories of childhood first loves go, it doesn't quite hit the perfect combination of sexual tension, jealousy and anticipation.
Nevertheless, it's a decently well-paced show with relatable characters and an easy-to-follow storyline. It's just that nothing stands out in particular... perhaps that’s my biggest criticism of the show – the fact that it’s rather forgettable.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/kimi-ni-wa-todokanai-bl-review/
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A little illogical and unrealistic but I still enjoyed it
If you’re looking for a show that you can binge-watch within a couple of days, this one will do the trick.As a pouty but highly sensible and emotionally sensitive teenager, Zongyi can be a little cringey at times. There is no shred of subtlety in this man. Remember when you were young and dumb and felt the need to proclaim your love as loudly as quickly as possible? That’s Bai Zongyi.
The love story between Chenyi and Aidi was slightly more interesting because of their backstory – both were orphans who grew up in a life of crime after being adopted by a gang leader – and had potential for some real emotional depth. They had good visuals but their acting was a little weak during the emotionally-charged scenes.
An interesting point that the show brings up: “Is this love or is this admiration?”
But overall, the storyline is a little cliched, there are some gaps in the storytelling, and the story is rather illogical and unrealistic. But is it still worth giving it a try? Yes, absolutely.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/30/kiseki-dear-to-me-2023-bl-review/
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A little unusual & confusing, but worth the watch
There are so many stunning shots of the two men going about their daily routines, sitting in baths, eating meals together and laying on each other’s lap. It hurts my eyes because the both of them look so ridiculously beautiful from every angle.But beautiful men aside, My Personal Weatherman is perhaps one of the most unusual and confusing Japanese BLs I’ve watched recently.
The relationship between Mizuki and Yoh is insanely ambiguous and yet, painfully unambiguous at the same time.
When Yoh ties his self worth to books he has sold, it’s only because he wants to be good enough for the wildly successful Mizuki, who has made a name for himself in his field.
When Mizuki is quiet around Yoh, it’s because he has dropped his mask – he is finally free to be his exhausted, introverted self around a person he trusts the most. Not Mizuki the talented meteorologist, not Mizuki the popular weatherman, not Mizuki the handsome idol.
Just Mizuki. A man who has found a place to rest his weary soul.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/24/personal-weatherman-2023-taikan-yoho/
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I hated the homewrecker vibes!!
Some may call it romantic – Sailom makes plans to get closer to the guy he likes, and pursues him via these different (planned) encounters.But you can also think of it this way – it’s quite creepy for someone to pursue their wedding planner??The bulk of the first few episodes is Nuea desperately trying to get the couple – who are clearly not interested in marrying each other – to provide him with all the information he needs to plan their dream wedding.
Nuea, who is hopelessly attracted to Sailom, is faced with an uphill battle: 1) Plan a wedding for 2 people who have no idea (and possibly don’t quite care about) what they want, 2) DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMEBODY ELSE’S TO-BE HUSBAND.
I wish the plot didn’t involve an elaborate lie just so I could properly enjoy the budding relationship between Lom and Nuea. Especially since the chemistry between Nuea and Lom was pure fire.
Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/10/01/wedding-plan-2023-bl-review/
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Hmmm maybe better with another pairing?
The main premise of the show is described to be centred around Souta's love for “naked dining”, and how another person comes to learn about his secret. But the series doesn’t dwell on this too much throughout the episodes.Perhaps, in reality, the nakedness is intended to be far more profound, going beyond this silly imagery.
As Souta spends more time cooking the recipes in his grandmother’s book, he discovers his grandmother’s world – a world beyond the colourless and dreadful universe of a salaryman, filled with endless potential.
He also discovers another facet of 'nakedness': being honest with one's feelings and learning to live an authentic life.
Zenra Meshi’s point is this: You should be taking chances and introducing adventure into your life, even if you don’t know whether you will like it or not. And yes, this nifty little metaphor applies not just to cuisines, but also extends to love.
Unfortunately, the romance, with its standard share of misunderstandings and jealousy, came off as superficial and formulaic. While some kind of character development was hinted at for Souta, the storyline couldn’t quite capture why or how the change was meaningful.
The questionable chemistry between the male leads – but perhaps this is an issue with the casting rather than the actual premise of the show – also explained why some scenes fell flat.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/07/23/zenra-meshi-2023-bl-review/
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Best watched with a headspace that is ready for heartache
Compared to the usual BL fare, The Eighth Sense deliberately creates curated gaps in its storytelling, leaving the viewer to piece the story together and fill in the ambiguities with their imagination.It is also an emotionally intense slowburn that demands patience – if you’re looking for a breezy show to chill out with after a long day, this may not be what you want. Eighth Sense is best watched with a headspace that is ready for the heartache.
Jaewon and Jihyun are drawn together during a string of chance encounters. This infuriating yet thrilling dance around what will become of them is what makes The Eighth Sense so remarkably relatable.
Curiosity towards another person. The constant searching gaze, only to be met with disappointment when you don’t see the person glancing back at you. Stolen moments that become a shared secret.
The series concludes with a finale that fills one with a vast sense of possibility and yearning for a romantic excursion, however fleeting.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/06/04/eighth-sense-2023-bl-review/
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