Reviews

Omnia vincit Amor!

Love of Silom has just ended with it's 12th episode. What we got was an unusual pairing, a police detective and a Gogo dance/host falling in love with each other, both with broken families. Besides their calmly growing love, we had a brutal human trafficing and murder case which threated both Captain Krit and his host boyfriend Wayu.

What was interesting was, how their different background both has family stuff to struggle. Krit, a tyrannical father who wanted to force his son into any profitable marriage entirely uncaring what Krit wanted or felt. He even threatend what he, as a Police General with his influence would do to Wayu, should Krit not cut tires. Tough stuff.

Seeing the scene of the Gogo/Host bar was one of my highlight, realistic or not, it was nice to see how Foei and the boys stuck together, and it was sad to see the only troublemaker found a horrible death just when he can come out to the good side. But it gave the show this gravitas, a lot can happen, even though we were sure the MC would not face drama, or at least I expected a good ending, the show gave a clear sense of danger, hostility and how the world is a dangerous place.
I know people critizised how Krit didn't resist his father, and I did so too. But this is Asia, and who knows if what I would have done would have been so much wiser.

I shall say something about the ending, because I... liked it. I didn't see the evil dad have a sudden turn out of the blue. Sure, it was shortened, but it took around 3 episodes, from the father seeing how Wayu was so desperate when Krit about about to die, with Krit in the end twice stating in no uncertain ways he would stick to Wayo no matter what, and yes the usual mother talking sense into the dad. Krit's father seeing what a respected student Wayu is and someone real.

But here is the thing. There is this story "Of the Lost Son" in the Old Testament, where the father, when the lost son comes homes is in tears and overjoyed and forfeits all anger, for the son is back. And here, here we have the Lost Father who finally turned. We could see hints of him struggling. In the near death moment of Krit, in the time after his wife talked clearly to him. And to be honest, I rather have a father who turns and yields in all things, than a revenge plot.

In the end, all where happy together, and is that not worth to say, alright, let's make this new start and let the past be the past and enjoy we have a big family, and Krit and Wayu married with all in the two families being united? I call that a win of love, and I rather have a father who finally yields and a good future than being eternally prisoner of the past. I know such people. It is not good. As such I found the last episode good, it made me feel happy and seeing the Dad doing the Gogo-Dancing with his cops in the after-scenes was just a nice fun, for an actor who always must play evil people, and maybe for that too I was glad to see him smile and be happy and everyone at peace together.
Having been well entertained with good acting, nice music, many interesting and well played side characters, drama and difficulties:

„Omnia vincit Amor; et nos cedamus Amori!“
- Vergil
9/10 Must have seen!

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The times and values are conservative but the Story is liberal

I started watching this for YangZi. Then I was hooked by the intricacies of the ancient ink making industry.

Its an easy going drama of a family business with its own politics and business rivals competing for supremacy. The malevolence seems more dramatic than sinister. The Eight Branch of the century old Li Ink family is expelled after an incident that will only be fully revealed in the last 2 episodes. The initial intense competition for top ink maker was between the Li and Luo families to be the Imperial Tribute Ink. Within the first 5 episodes, this dynamic changed with the rapid decline of the Li Family due to a series of misfortunes and the near demise of the Luo Family when they fell from favour in the Capital.

Into this vacuum enters the Tian Family, who were stragglers within the Huizhou Ink community. Through a series of cunning schemes and devious plots, they rose to be top dog, and top villains, headed by Tian BenChang.

On the outside the previously favored granddaughter of the disgraced Eight Branch, Li Zhen, decides to pursue her passion and heritage. She becomes the apprentice of her Grandfather, the fallen Ink master of Li Ink who had to swear never to make another ink piece again in penance.

Essentially this is the story of Li Zhen (Yang Zi) and the rejuvenation of Li Ink against all odds. It is also a chronicle of family values, the Huizhou ink industry and relationships. Beyond the impossible romance between two lovebirds, there are many other more noteworthy relationships; mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, childhood friends, business partners etc.

Yang Zi did not disappoint neither was this drama her high point. She was best at her relationships with her Grandparents and most poignant at their demise. She was often inspiring when faced with challenges. I enjoyed her interactions with her mother most.

The MLs, both friends and foes, are at best, insipid. Luo WQ (EH) was more operatic than dramatic.

The settings, especially the shots around Huizhou, are magnificent. I also learned about isinglass.

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kindly

A character that can be imitated if oppressed then you must dare to fight, because by fighting you have an elegant courage, and this story everyone must feel when getting married with a lot of pressure from the family you must understand in every character of su li who is alone who is trapped in a family relationship that is not harmonious this is really a worthy story and very good here a person su li dares to fight injustice, ❤️‍🩹💪😇😇😇😇🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻😻😻😻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Hermoso Season 2 — Sometimes It's Better to Let a Story End

I honestly don't understand why this second season exists.

The first season already had an ending. It wasn't a happy one, but it was a conclusion I could accept. It was emotional, bittersweet, and gave the story a sense of closure. Instead of respecting that ending, Season 2 reopens everything simply to create more drama, and for me, it completely undermines what came before.

The biggest mistake is the memory-loss storyline.

Amnesia is already one of my least favourite clichés when it's well written. Here, it feels like an excuse to force the characters back to the beginning and create an artificial love triangle. Watching someone forget the person they loved and start developing feelings for someone else—especially someone who should never become a romantic option—didn't make me emotional. It made me frustrated. At that point, I honestly found myself thinking I would have preferred the original ending to remain untouched.

The acting is once again perfectly acceptable for what the script asks the cast to do. I never felt the actors were the problem. They commit to the material and do their best with increasingly exaggerated situations. Unfortunately, even good performances can't rescue a story that keeps piling one melodramatic twist on top of another without earning them emotionally.

Like the first season, the production values remain respectable. The cinematography is pleasant, the locations are beautiful, and the intimate scenes are filmed confidently. But this time, even those strengths weren't enough to keep me invested. Instead of feeling like a natural continuation, the series often feels determined to shock the audience rather than tell a meaningful story.

Final Thought

Hermoso Season 2 takes an ending that was already satisfying enough and complicates it with unnecessary twists that add frustration rather than emotion. For me, this sequel never justified its own existence. Instead of strengthening the original story, it weakens it, proving that sometimes the hardest decision for a writer is also the right one: knowing when to stop.

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Hermoso — You Watch It for the Heat, Not the Story

Let's be honest: the main reason people talk about Hermoso isn't the story. It's the intimate scenes. The series is undeniably bold, and if that's what you're looking for, it certainly delivers. Unfortunately, once those moments are over, there isn't much left that kept me emotionally invested.

The premise actually had potential. A romance between two men from completely different worlds could have become something memorable, especially with the beautiful coastal setting of the Philippines. Instead, the script keeps introducing new conflicts and melodramatic twists without developing them properly. Rather than becoming more interesting as it progresses, the story gradually loses its direction.

The cast also left me unconvinced.

The actors are physically attractive, and they handle the intimate scenes professionally. That's never the problem. My issue is that I rarely believed the emotional side of the relationship. Outside the physical attraction, I struggled to understand why these characters were supposedly falling so deeply in love. The chemistry works on a physical level, but not on an emotional one, and for me that's a major difference.

Ironically, the production itself is quite solid. The seaside locations create a beautiful atmosphere, the cinematography is pleasant, and the intimate scenes are filmed with confidence rather than awkwardness. It's obvious the production knew exactly what audience it wanted to attract. I just wish the same amount of effort had been invested in the screenplay.

By the end, I felt the series had confused passion with storytelling. Physical attraction can start a romance, but it can't carry an entire drama on its own. I needed stronger characters, a more coherent narrative, and a relationship that convinced me beyond the bedroom.

Final Thought

Hermoso is a series I'll remember for its boldness rather than its story. If you're looking for a BL with plenty of physical intimacy, you'll probably understand why it found an audience. I personally wanted much more than that. The chemistry may be hot, but without a stronger script, it never became a romance I truly cared about.

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so cute

this has to be the cutest JBL on this planet. the chemistry was sizzling. the acting was great. i laughed so hard and at one point I cried. this will be on my forever rewatch list. the ost was a bit annoying at times. i still rate it a 10/10 simply because it was wothout any toxic complications. it’s a fluff piece. but it strongly suggested how the bias of other can influence lives.
that teacher ….! omg how much i wanted to smack him. but eventually he realized he was wrong. which was good
second couple qas also so very cute. that girl!! such a cute and strong personality! all 4 of them are great. i loved how their friends supported them unconditionally. just accepted everything around them. i wish it would be always like this. because their anxiety was legit!
i wish everyone would have such a great experience while figuring themselves out in high school

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The Promise of the Soul — Another Proof That Taiwan Knows How to Reinvent BL

Taiwan never seems afraid to try something different, and The Promise of the Soul is another perfect example. On paper, the story sounds almost impossible to make believable: a man is reunited with his soulmate after being reincarnated through his own grandson's body. Yet somehow, the drama makes this extraordinary premise feel deeply human. By the end, I wasn't thinking about fantasy anymore. I was simply watching two souls who had finally found each other again.

The story constantly surprised me. Rather than treating reincarnation as a gimmick, it asks difficult questions about love, identity, destiny, and sacrifice. The fact that Ye Hai Yuan is the reincarnation of the wife Xia Cha lost decades earlier gives the romance an emotional depth that few BLs attempt. It's also heartbreaking to realise that this second chance only exists because his grandson lost his life. That tragedy remains part of the story from beginning to end, making the happiness bittersweet rather than perfect.

Martin Wong completely surprised me.

I remembered him as being very slim in his previous projects, but here he looks completely different. His physical transformation immediately gives the character a stronger presence, and he convincingly portrays someone carrying decades of life experience inside a young body. It's not just about looking more muscular. It's about making you believe this young man thinks, speaks, and reacts like someone who has already lived an entire lifetime. That balance is incredibly difficult to achieve, and Martin succeeds brilliantly.

Kenji Fan is equally convincing. He's naturally handsome, charming, and easy to like, but what impressed me most is how sincere his emotional journey feels. As Hai Yuan slowly accepts feelings he never expected to have, every step of that evolution feels believable. Because Martin and Kenji already knew each other before filming, their relationship never feels forced. Their chemistry develops effortlessly, making the romance feel genuine from beginning to end.

I also appreciated that the series never loses sight of its emotional core. Beneath the fantasy lies a simple story about two people who complement each other perfectly. They're complete opposites in personality, yet that's precisely why they fit together so naturally. Watching those differences slowly disappear as they realise they're soulmates is what makes the romance so touching.

The production deserves praise as well. Like many Taiwanese BLs, it doesn't rely on spectacular visual effects or extravagant locations. Instead, it focuses on intimate cinematography, expressive performances, and quiet emotional moments. Those choices allow the story to breathe and make even the supernatural elements feel believable.

Final Thought

The Promise of the Soul is another reminder of why Taiwanese BL continues to impress me. It's creative without becoming confusing, emotional without becoming melodramatic, and original without forgetting that the romance should always remain at the centre of the story. Martin Wong and Kenji Fan make an exceptional pairing, and together they bring a beautiful, bittersweet love story to life. It's a drama that made me believe soulmates might really exist.

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Finally, a BL with a different theme. 🤍

I really enjoyed this series because it dared to do something different instead of following the usual formula. It felt fresh, unique, and kept my interest from beginning to end.

I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a BL that stands out from the crowd. 🌸✨

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🌸✨🌈 Hiii~ Welcome to my kawaii corner~ ♡(≧▽≦)ﾉ✨🌸

You can find more of my reviews on Instagram~ 🌟💖

Check my homepage for my account~ (｡♥‿♥｡) 🌷

Some reviews are under 500 words, so I can’t post them here~ (≧ω≦)ﾉ💫

Thank you sooo much~ ☆:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:☆ 💕🌸

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Cute series

Another series that I haven't read the novel yet, so the story really excited me. I didn't expect most of what happened. I also have a bit of a bias since this is part of the Fourever You Project. Hehe.

First, I wish we got to see more of Mafia Tiger. I really wanted that aspect to be highlighted more. The pacing somehow felt both slow and fast at the same time. Maybe 8 episodes just isn't enough to fully cover an FY novel. The acting still has room for improvement, but the casting was great. Plus points for finding an actor to play Nuea who could actually pass as Golf/Nao's twin brother.

Overall, this is still a cute series, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch.

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Depth of Field — Japan Turns the Simplest Love Story into Something Unforgettable

There are dramas that entertain you, dramas that make you smile, and then there are dramas like Depth of Field that quietly break your heart. I cried more than once watching this series, not because it tries to manipulate your emotions, but because everything feels painfully sincere. From the first meeting on the school rooftop to the final episode, I felt as though I was watching someone's most precious memory unfold.

I had already enjoyed the manga, so my expectations were high. Fortunately, the adaptation understands exactly what made the original story so special. It never tries to make the romance bigger or more dramatic than necessary. Instead, it embraces the quiet moments, the awkward silences, and the emotions that are often left unspoken. Rather than simply adapting the plot, it captures the soul of the manga.

The real revelation, however, is Usa Takuma.

I honestly think this is one of the greatest acting performances I've ever seen in a BL. Every emotion feels completely authentic. Whether Hayakawa is trying to hide his pain, falling in love without understanding why, or slowly allowing himself to become vulnerable, Usa Takuma never misses a single emotional beat. I didn't just watch his character suffer—I felt that suffering with him. That's an incredibly rare quality for any actor, regardless of genre.

Konno Ryohei is equally important to making the story work. His calm presence perfectly balances Hayakawa's emotional turmoil, creating a relationship built on understanding rather than grand romantic gestures. Their chemistry doesn't explode onto the screen. It quietly grows until you suddenly realise you're completely invested in them. That's exactly why their relationship feels so believable.

One of the things I admire most about Japanese BL is its ability to make ordinary life look extraordinary. Depth of Field doesn't rely on spectacular scenery or luxurious locations. Most of the story takes place at school, on a rooftop, or in everyday surroundings. Yet every frame feels beautiful. Through the cinematography, the lighting, and the careful direction, even the simplest classroom or corridor looks like a cherished memory from a first love. It's a kind of visual poetry that very few countries consistently achieve.

The soundtrack is equally remarkable. Rather than telling me how to feel, it quietly accompanies the story, allowing the performances to carry the emotional weight. Combined with the delicate direction, it creates an atmosphere that stays with you long after the final episode ends.

Final Thought

Depth of Field is everything I love about Japanese BL. It proves that a simple story, told with honesty, beautiful direction, and extraordinary performances, can be more powerful than the biggest productions. The manga was already excellent, but the drama somehow managed to make me love it even more. Above all, Usa Takuma delivered a performance I'll never forget. For me, this isn't just one of the best BLs of the year—it's one of the best I've ever watched.

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Poorly written and the FL is not giving

With Ahn Hyeo Seop and Kim Bum in the cast, what could have gone wrong? It’s the FL. The FL’s character is poorly written, and you will be annoyed with her at the start. The breakup scene at the beginning shows how insensitive she is that you really cannot root for her character. I know it’s fiction but it doesn’t make sense on the approach that the FL can sold out the items. I know some of the scenes are for comic relief to put the FL on a high horse, but it’s like the show treats their audience as dumb, and would just accept the scenes as it is, and accept the FL as someone great. Perhaps I am expecting more, because this is Ahn Hyeoand Kim Bum who has good kdramas on their plate., so the story should not be like that. But I just cannot go on. Chemistry is not there too. It was painful to watch. Another thing, the color grading of the whole show is not quite right. ML is supposedly a farmer but the color grading and lights made him pale and smooth, but supposedly, he’s a farmer.

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Memoir of Rati — Everything I Love About Historical BL

Historical BLs have always had something special for me. When they're done well, they offer much more than a romance. They transport you to another era, immerse you in another culture, and make every glance and every touch feel more meaningful because society itself stands against the characters. Memoir of Rati does exactly that, and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with it from the very beginning.

I had already told you how much I love Great Sapol and Inn Sarin as a pairing, and this drama only confirmed it. They have the kind of chemistry that doesn't need exaggerated dialogue or constant physical intimacy. A simple look between them often says more than an entire conversation. Their relationship grows naturally, making every emotional moment feel completely earned.

The story is beautiful because it isn't just about two men falling in love. It's about duty, family, social expectations, and choosing happiness when the entire world tells you not to. Setting the story in early twentieth-century Siam gives the romance an additional layer of tension, making every decision the characters make feel important. Rather than using history as decoration, the series makes it an essential part of the narrative.

The production is simply stunning. Every location, every costume, and every carefully framed shot feels like it belongs in a period film rather than a television drama. The cinematography constantly enhances the emotion of each scene, while the music perfectly complements the atmosphere without ever overwhelming it. It's one of those rare productions where you can see the care that went into every visual detail.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Nobody feels like they're only there to fill the screen. Every important character contributes something meaningful to the story, creating a world that feels alive beyond the central romance. That richness makes the drama even more immersive and gives greater emotional weight to the choices the protagonists have to make.

Final Thought

Memoir of Rati is everything I hope for when I start a historical BL. It tells a beautiful love story without forgetting the world surrounding its characters, it looks absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end, and Great Sapol and Inn Sarin once again prove why they're one of my favourite pairings. This is the kind of series that reminds me historical romances can be just as powerful as modern ones—sometimes even more so.:::

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such a comfort show

i will never get tired of watching boys in love it’s such a comfort show for me. Not to be dramatic but this show genuinely changed my life😭 it was the first thai bl i ever watched and made me obsessed with them. Not to mention it introduced me to my favourite ship kenpaul😭i have no regrets in watching this AT ALL. The ONLY reason i gave the story a 9.5 was because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING FOR PERTAR WTF. It was so obvious that per had a crush on tar. They are the DEFINITION of the song casual.But putting that aside, this show was so cute and fluffy while still keeping the aspect of teenage romance🥺

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