I actually love that scene towards the end of ep 8 because despite Chi Cheng was scolding him, but he only did…
Agreed. They're actually doing a good job of developing the two leads in tandem.
In addition to what you mentioned, I loved how Chi Cheng went full captured by Wu Suo Wei when Wu Suo Wei was talking about his potential business and when Chi Cheng helped make connections for Wu Suo Wei. Chi Cheng actually sees Wu Suo Wei for who he is. His industrious side. Even his scheming side. Granted, he doesn't know just how scheming, but, he understands Wu Suo Wei pretty well. It's because of this I think that he's willing to let Wu Suo Wei be a kept man if he wants to. Not often you get a BL with this much characterization.
Overall liked it. + Good acting overall. I don't sign, but it seemed like everyone did a good job. Jin Yun was quite convincing to me as someone who is deaf. On the other hand, I don't get how Yang Zi Xiang got so competent so quickly in sign language. + There's a lot of eye candy in this drama. And the chemistry is the cherry on top. Not to mention the way they played up the height difference between the leads. That was sexy af/really well done. + One of the few times I wouldn't mind getting a spin off of the second couple. + While you can accuse Raiden Lin of possibly overacting just a bit, I think it still fit in with the character. I'd love to see him in other dramas in the future. - Ending was ok, but wasn't exactly the most satisfying. Some of the plot lines didn't feel addressed in satisfying ways.
The beginning of EP 11 seems proof positive that a S2 could work. But the ending feels like, well, and ending. Finite.
I think what this drama did best was depict some of the realities of life, in Japan and elsewhere. - You can't choose your parents. And you have to try to live your life as best you can in spite of them. Haruki's father was an abusive bastard, and his mother, while definitely the better of the two, still prioritized her life and her new family's life over Haruki--He had to become scarce if her husband was in town.
Jin's mother was a hypocrite wanting him to get married when she had a failed marriage and did such a good job of being around and a parent when her child was growing up. His father prioritized his career over his family.
- Being an out Queer person isn't easy, especially when you live in a society that doesn't see you/treat you equally as your Cis/heterosexual counterparts. Where you're surrounded by heterosexual privilege and you can't do or it's difficult to do the same.
The contrast between eps 10 and 11 is stark. It goes from a hopeful, let's get married, to the reality of, let's get married when it becomes legal and society doesn't stigmatize and ostracize us. Where their coworkers can easily express their love by making wedding announcements and you can't. Forget wedding announcements. When Haruki was flirting with outing Jin and their relationship to Jin's friends, Jin shut it down. Thankfully, Haruki stopped. But it's incredibly frustrating when you're in a relationship and have to deal with friends and family trying to pressure you into relationships and marriage, even more so when you're already in a relationship and want to get married, but can't. This risk is high, especially depending on your circumstances. Granted, yes, there are times when they did take risks, like PDA in public. Gosh, I hope that Japan can be more accepting of Queer society. And I say that with the understanding that even in countries where gay marriage is legal for example, you can still face significant homophobia etc.
I appreciate works like this and Happy of the End which don't shy away from realities of life. They portray a lot of it for what it is, but at the same times, it's not all doom and gloom. While you don't need a relationship to have a fulfilled life, a relationship that makes you thrive can help you get through life, even with all the shit around you.
This drama just works. + Super talented actors who have hopeful bight futures ahead. I believe what they're selling me. + Very solid writing, many aspects of which are relatable. + Production is quite good.
One of those shows where you wonder why there isn't a Season 2 (yet).
Wow...I thought exactly the same thing when it happened. It's such a cliche but the fine acting of the MLs made…
Thinking about it, reminds me of the beginning where Haruki wet himself at school when they first met. This is a different experience for both of them though.
Your statement, "his awareness of having no future" really got me thinking. Throughout the drama, we've seen that…
Ah. I get you.
Given your write-ups, it reminds me how much I appreciate the writing (for the most part). There's so much that can be analyzed, especially because it makes sense (for the most part). Haoren is not magically healed because of Chihiro, but he can get support. While I might be tempted to say the same of Chihiro, some of his actions throughout reflect his previous actions earlier in his life and how he too sees himself, which led to some of my frustrations in EP 7.
In addition to what you mentioned, I loved how Chi Cheng went full captured by Wu Suo Wei when Wu Suo Wei was talking about his potential business and when Chi Cheng helped make connections for Wu Suo Wei. Chi Cheng actually sees Wu Suo Wei for who he is. His industrious side. Even his scheming side. Granted, he doesn't know just how scheming, but, he understands Wu Suo Wei pretty well. It's because of this I think that he's willing to let Wu Suo Wei be a kept man if he wants to. Not often you get a BL with this much characterization.
P.S. The production team etc scored big time with these actors. they're really talented. I hope they get more projects in the future.
Hope this gets more positive attention.
+ Good acting overall. I don't sign, but it seemed like everyone did a good job. Jin Yun was quite convincing to me as someone who is deaf. On the other hand, I don't get how Yang Zi Xiang got so competent so quickly in sign language.
+ There's a lot of eye candy in this drama. And the chemistry is the cherry on top. Not to mention the way they played up the height difference between the leads. That was sexy af/really well done.
+ One of the few times I wouldn't mind getting a spin off of the second couple.
+ While you can accuse Raiden Lin of possibly overacting just a bit, I think it still fit in with the character. I'd love to see him in other dramas in the future.
- Ending was ok, but wasn't exactly the most satisfying. Some of the plot lines didn't feel addressed in satisfying ways.
I think what this drama did best was depict some of the realities of life, in Japan and elsewhere.
- You can't choose your parents. And you have to try to live your life as best you can in spite of them. Haruki's father was an abusive bastard, and his mother, while definitely the better of the two, still prioritized her life and her new family's life over Haruki--He had to become scarce if her husband was in town.
Jin's mother was a hypocrite wanting him to get married when she had a failed marriage and did such a good job of being around and a parent when her child was growing up. His father prioritized his career over his family.
- Being an out Queer person isn't easy, especially when you live in a society that doesn't see you/treat you equally as your Cis/heterosexual counterparts. Where you're surrounded by heterosexual privilege and you can't do or it's difficult to do the same.
The contrast between eps 10 and 11 is stark. It goes from a hopeful, let's get married, to the reality of, let's get married when it becomes legal and society doesn't stigmatize and ostracize us. Where their coworkers can easily express their love by making wedding announcements and you can't. Forget wedding announcements. When Haruki was flirting with outing Jin and their relationship to Jin's friends, Jin shut it down. Thankfully, Haruki stopped. But it's incredibly frustrating when you're in a relationship and have to deal with friends and family trying to pressure you into relationships and marriage, even more so when you're already in a relationship and want to get married, but can't. This risk is high, especially depending on your circumstances. Granted, yes, there are times when they did take risks, like PDA in public. Gosh, I hope that Japan can be more accepting of Queer society. And I say that with the understanding that even in countries where gay marriage is legal for example, you can still face significant homophobia etc.
I appreciate works like this and Happy of the End which don't shy away from realities of life. They portray a lot of it for what it is, but at the same times, it's not all doom and gloom. While you don't need a relationship to have a fulfilled life, a relationship that makes you thrive can help you get through life, even with all the shit around you.
+ Super talented actors who have hopeful bight futures ahead. I believe what they're selling me.
+ Very solid writing, many aspects of which are relatable.
+ Production is quite good.
One of those shows where you wonder why there isn't a Season 2 (yet).
Given your write-ups, it reminds me how much I appreciate the writing (for the most part). There's so much that can be analyzed, especially because it makes sense (for the most part). Haoren is not magically healed because of Chihiro, but he can get support. While I might be tempted to say the same of Chihiro, some of his actions throughout reflect his previous actions earlier in his life and how he too sees himself, which led to some of my frustrations in EP 7.