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This review may contain spoilers
enjoyed the unique premise
Overall: I was impressed with the horror/supernatural elements in the first episode, but several plot elements/pacing were disappointing. This series was based off of a book which I haven't read and I reviewed the series on its own merits. 12 episodes about 1 hour each. Aired on iQIYI https://www.iq.com/play/khemjira-episode-1-wraawu50u8?lang=en_us Later aired on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/4enpn88aboslcbo/n4101eq14v2 and Netflix Thailand.Content Warnings: jump scares, attempted murders, blood, intimate partner abuse and violence, punch, suicide (it's complicated); (past: infanticide, torture, suicide, blood, manipulation, death on and off screen, grief, kidnapping)
Watch Suggestions (to focus on sweet/steamy parts)
- read the synopsis
- skip episodes 1-4
- episode 5 watch 8-end
- skip episode 6
- episode 7 watch 7:45-20:40 and 49:20-end
- episode 8 watch 37:30-end
- skip episode 9 (many major content warnings in this)
- episode 10 watch 21-23 and 57:30-end
- episode 11 watch 7-13:20 and 52-53:10 (watch all of episode 11 and 12 to get the whole plot resolution)
- episode 12 watch 38:30-end
What I Liked
- Jet as a supportive friend
- mystery of what happened in the past, how things came to be the way they are
- that Khemjira helped someone (or rather 2) in episode 1
- good consent and intimacy with the side couple
- the Thai culture and spirituality (not sure if that's the right word) aspects
- the finale
- production value
Room For Improvement
- the second domestic violence was handled very poorly, why didn't Khem tell him right away, it seemed like they only stepped in to help her because the guy was possessed and then how everything seemed fine and dandy at the end
- there is a difference between a slow burn and one character constantly rebuffing/hurting a sweet character, it was not enjoyable to watch for several episodes
- the horror aspect kind of vanished during some episodes
- love rivals
- a few writing tweaks would have made a character's actions much more understandable (specifically with ep 9 flashback of who did what/was at the most fault in that scenario then not being the ones punished forever)
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indie master/servant vlog
Overall: I'm not sure how to describe this series. It has a vlog feel with less of a story and more vignettes of daily life, but then also has voicing inner thoughts and a fictional story with a master/servant. Airing on Adam&Seven YouTube channel (they are a couple in real life) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy3x1NWjzbMWwAGldfAFTrMcD6EB6pezt&si=l8M6V3BmVVnAm6toContent Warnings: manhandling, non/dub con touching
What I Liked
- the dynamic
- episodes 5 and 6 were better
Room For Improvement
- very handsy but then suddenly reluctant
- did not feel the chemistry
- voicing inner thoughts
- I didn't take off points but the production is very indie, used holiday music over non holiday scenes, music was too loud
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A cheesy musical that was almost so bad it was good
Overall: I wish they had really leaned into the "so bad it's good" but it didn't quite make it. Watched on YouTube.Content Warnings: a slap, non con touching/sponge bath (guy was unconscious), kidnapping
What I Liked
- the orchestral music was great, some of the musical numbers were okay
- a flirty protagonist who is clear about his intentions*
- made me laugh in several parts
- I liked Mikey's friends and they weren't just played for comedic relief
Room For Improvement
- the remarks about other people's weight
- there was some rough acting which I found hilarious but I don't think it was intentional
- invasive sponge bath while someone is unconscious
- *Mikey's reluctance was dragging on for too long
- too many characters
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I've checked out of this series
Overall: I'm sad because they took everything I liked about episode 0 (fast paced, likeable characters, great music) and wrecked it. The series should be called "Boring Cheaters." Watched on iQIYI.Content Warnings: non con kissing that turned consensual, dub con kissing and non con kissing that did not turn consensual, stalking, manhandling, harassment, drunk driving?, slap, manipulation, possible past suicide attempt/s
What I Liked
- the outro song
- I think the actors are trying their best with a terrible script
Room For Improvement
- very confusing, we start with a scene at the end of the first episode, then jump back and forth several times between present day and flashbacks (also too many flashbacks in later episodes)
- meh intro
- boring/slow paced, I watched at 3x speed. The cut episodes were slightly less boring (around 40 min vs 1hr 10) but still boring
- unlikeable main characters, I don't mind flawed characters but I especially don't understand Nine at all
- switching back and forth from a steamy scene where both people are cheating to a scene where a boyfriend is setting up a nice dinner was not appealing at all
- I don't normally notice the music unless it's really good or really bad and this was the later, sometimes the music really didn't fit the vibe of the scene
- the toilet humor (twice in the first 4 episodes!!!)
- I don't know why they are going to OnlyFans, have they seen some of the stuff on Gagaoolala? Also it seems like the actors had to act in the 18+ scenes totally naked when previously they were told they'd have socks... I hope the actors find something with a better plot, editing, really better everything
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This review may contain spoilers
wrong characters get redemption arcs/don't have consequences
Overall: it's obvious from the title of the series and the trailers that this isn't going to be a fluffy romance series (which is fine). Unfortunately the wrong characters are receiving consequences and the wrong characters are receiving redemption arcs. The 20 episodes are broken up into 4 stories, each one has 5 episodes. Aired on Gagaoolala and on AIS Play's paid Youtube channel.Content Warnings: attempted suicide, manipulation, non con touching and kissing, homophobia, mental health struggles, fight scenes/violence, non con video recording/posting, sex trafficking, blackmail, cyberbullying, homophobia, drugging, kind of attempted murder
What I Liked
- intro/OST
- kissing/steamy scenes from Pan/Nott
- acting from Seng/Billy
- the sweet moments
- shout out to marriage equality
Room For Improvement
- it really bothered me that the wrong characters were receiving redemption arcs, I wanted to see jail! maybe this is supposed to be realistic but it's not my thing
- the kissing from the side couple was not good
- there are quite a lot of characters
- how would the manager not know what NC stands for?
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sweet, but needed more screentime
Overall: it was fun and cute, but it needed more time to focus on the relationship development. 6 episodes about 9 minutes each. Aired on Strongberry's YouTube page https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNd7BhdAz80qVJk7itfRXCdPNMTvPAVYd&si=HqUFijGa3bBUinWZ and GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/7586/check-in-to-you-2026-e01Content Warning: vomiting episode 1 around 7:45
What I Liked
- easy to understand premise
- opposite personalities
- actors did a fantastic job to switch to the other personality
- sweet moments
Room For Improvement
- most of the plot was them living in a different body, they needed more time to develop their relationship especially after they switched (because I kept thinking how odd it would be to be romantic with my own body...)
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joyful, emotional & drama-filled (reality m/m dating series)
Overall: Sparks Camp contestants bare their souls, get hurt, heal, laugh, cry and love. 10 episodes 45 minutes each. Aired on Black Sheep YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL87uyU6xM7Lft-Lpwbv5G3ZQJZDvxC9_p&si=gVVHvglgds-tTvix Here is my review of season 1 https://mydramalist.com/profile/blcompilations/review/278749Content Warnings: past death, grief, trauma, past coercion
Reality Series Note: with any "reality" series I keep in mind that what the audience sees doesn't necessarily reflect what actually happened. There can be guidelines the audience doesn't know about, parts are edited out or ordered in different ways to show a certain narrative. I read in the YouTube comments of season 1 that the director said it wasn't scripted, but I always take that with a grain of salt. My goal for reality dating series is for people to have a good time and maybe make a new friend. Any actual pairings at the end of the show are icing on the cake.
What I Liked
- really good diversity with the cast, it wasn't all actors/models/influencers
- that the guys had name tags on which was helpful to remember who was who
- the initial game of guessing who the items belonged to was much better than the oil game from season 1, they made items easy enough they were guaranteed to get a few correct but not super easy so there was a bit of a challenge
- the deepest darkest secret game was fine, I'm assuming the guys knew it would be recorded/aired publicly
- Mother Mela is a good emcee*
- the trivia game
Room For Improvement
- the platinum gay thing was cringey
- having them repeatedly draw the sparks publicly was really sad and they should figure out another way to accomplish this (like write letters and the production crew see who has matches and then sends them on 1 on 1 dates)
- a contestant asked to sit something out and the emcee* said no, people should have the right to pass in situations like that
- putting 1 person on the spot to answer all questions was definitely to make things messy/drama-filled
Comparison to other m/m dating shows
1. The Boyfriend (Japan) on Netflix. Guys run a coffee van and live together for 1 month.
2. His Man (South Korea) on iQIYI, currently on season 3. Anyone can date anyone. Beautiful production and conventionally attractive guys.
3. Boys Like Boys (Taiwan) on GagaOOLala, had a very similar aesthetic/vibe to His Man
4. Love House seasons 1 & 2 (Vietnam) on YouTube (most have English subs, this is ep 1 of season 2 no subs though https://youtu.be/TKzT_nHfVTA ). I liked this set up more than Bromance because the guys could all pursue one another. I didn't like the "secret couple" aspect and dividing them up based on sexual position seemed odd (can't they discuss that in private???) Season 1 was also the most brutal "rose ceremony" I've ever seen in any dating reality show. Season 2 was better.
5. Bromance (Thailand) is also on Gagaoolala. This is the typical Bachelor/Bachelorette set up with a bunch of people competing against one another to be with the 1 bachelor. I didn't like this because they could have all been hitting on each other and we have multiple couples! I got kind of bored and skipped a bunch.
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sweet dance themed short movie
Overall: a lovely 20 minute university romance/slice of life short movie. Watch on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/1215/step-for-you-2018 Vimeo https://vimeo.com/ondemand/step/312886165 or as a Strongberry YouTube Member.What I Liked
- clear premise
- the friends
- realistic and sweet moments
- production value
Room For Improvement
- a character had time to respond but was silent
- the very ending scene I think was after the events but they could have made it a bit more clear where it was in the timeline
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This review may contain spoilers
mixed feelings
Overall: there were parts that I really liked and one aspect in particular that I really didn't. I initially watched for the side m/m couple (they meet in episode 2 and have a few minutes every episode). At times, this series has a bit of a soap opera feel. Watching on Viu with VPN set to Thailand. This is the episode 1 part 1 link https://www.viu.com/ott/th/th/vod/439286/My-Coach Watch past the credits of the final episode for wrap ups of the characters (Plueng and Yu are at the very very end).Content Warnings: past bullying, sexism, punches, manipulation, harassment, drugging, attempted sexual assault, non con kiss, past trauma, homophobia, transphobia, unwanted outing, blackmail, held against will, high school student/coach relationship, bribery
What I Liked
- discussion of issues: i.e. challenges of being a woman in a male dominated career, importance of having safe sex and carrying around condoms, sexual harassment, pursuing your dreams, about being your true self and deserving love and happiness
- the end of episode 14 brought tears to my eyes
- Plueng and Yu, I wish they had had more screen time
- nice to see a darker skinned character and I really liked their conversations with Yu
- the intro song
Room For Improvement
- how both the coach and assistant coach were ogling the bodies of their students (high schoolers) and the things that followed, this just reinforces negative stereotypes of women in male dominated careers
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This review may contain spoilers
In Your Heart?
Overall: choppy BL with a bad ending. Watched on Gagaoolala (also on Viki).Content Warnings: rape (portrayed as romantic), non con kissing/trying to kiss, punches, beaten up (off screen)
What I Liked
- the OST and intro sequence was well done
- there were a few funny moments like the music when they were sitting on the wall, broom fighting
- good production value
Room For Improvement
- the non con was totally unnecessary and the ending was stupid, it didn't make me throw my computer in rage but I was disappointed
- the female love interest part was confusing and unneeded
- that mom looked the exact same age as the high school student (actor is 29 apparently, the mom should have been an older actress)
- choppy editing/plot
- the side characters needed more development
- continuity error, after being beaten up with visible injuries, they are injury free in the next scene
- the scene in the principal's office/that money thing were too long
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wish it was longer
Overall: not sure how everything will resolve in the last episode. Airing on the Secret of Us YouTube channel Summer You https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BSona1dmx5OuDn4WOXKkZgl-Mb0MSWD&si=hvRgUW5dIeZtFNZOContent Warning: non con touching
What I Liked
- visuals/chemistry
- cheeky protagonist
- focused on the two characters
Room For Improvement
- gay for you trope
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too slow paced for me
Overall: I skimmed several episodes (5 and 6 were okay) but it was too slow for me and then I skimmed the final episode and am happy I didn't watch all episodes (not a fan of the ending) 12 episodes about 45 minutes each. Watching on GagaOOLalaContent Warnings: non con picture taking, harassment, manhandling, fight scene, manipulation (potentially more)
What I Liked
- clear premise
- how Kiao actually felt like he was from the past and not knowing several things like cell phones
- the other characters' reactions felt fairly realistic with the situation
- addressed transphobia/homophobia in a natural way (Kiao was using an older term)
- character friendships
- how the adults resemble the actors who play their younger selves
- neutral, there are comedy sound effects
Room For Improvement
- was really slow, scenes dragged on too long, a lot of unnecessary stuff
- set up for the 'gay for you' trope
- the plot, especially towards the end
- that ending
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School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
1 people found this review helpful
a warm fluffy blanket
Overall: a sweet series that I could re-watch many times. Based on the book "Shugakuryoko de Nakayokunai Group ni Hairimashita" by Kakuregi Uzura which I haven't read and am reviewing the series on its own merits. 10 episodes about 20 minutes each. Aired on https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5924/school-trip-joined-a-group-im-not-close-to-2025 (not available in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong or Macau).What I Liked
- how a character was laser-focused on another character but he wasn't oppressive or creepy
- supportive friends
- honest communication, especially towards the end of episode 8
- cute and caring moments
Room For Improvement
- the awkwardness/obliviousness was a bit too much at times in the beginning
- continuity error, they were supposed to be soaking wet and the next second they looked totally dry
- nonsense: I don't think women would be screaming and waiting in a long line to take a picture with non-celebrities, he couldn't see at all without his glasses and suddenly he could see fine, 1 sip is not going to make a person tipsy/want to throw up
- (neutral) voicing inner thoughts
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not a fluffy BL
Overall: centered on an established couple and it was not a fluffy type plot. I watched this 22 min short movie on Flying Penguin's YouTube channel with membership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p81bh_UQUow&t=584s&ab_channel=%EB%82%A0%EC%9C%BC%EB%8A%94%ED%8E%AD%EA%B7%84flyingpenguin and then later watched it on Shortime - my invite link is https://playground.shortime.app/en/invite/NKNIWI - the code is NKNIWI (those are all capital letters, that's the capital letter i)What I Liked
- good kissing/intimacy
- camerawork with going wider and making the guy look smaller
Room For Improvement
- too dim, needed more light on actors' faces
- they didn't translate texts
- perhaps in part due to the non-translated texts, I wasn't 100% sure what was going on
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First Impression: Ticket To Heaven
Overall: unique premise with stellar acting. 6 episodes about an hour each. Airing on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/7716/ticket-to-heaven-2026-e01 (in US, UK, Germany, France) ; Viki https://www.viki.com/tv/41493c-ticket-to-heaven#episodes ; YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszepnkojZI7uWKLBqfRqXvmH3uACl2iw&si=FTX9_Ypgk6M-RZ8E(available in most countries in Africa and Southeast Asia (not Thailand))
Content Warnings: homophobia, bullying
What I Liked
- acting
- premise/setting
- cinematography
Room For Improvement
- nervous about the ending
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