Reviews

La Pluie Deserves a Standing Ovation

La Pluie has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had as a viewer of TV ever. This show told us exactly what it was from the very opening scenes, and then spent the entire show paying that off. This show opened with an explanation about soulmates, and then immediately countered that with Tai’s parents’ divorce, the note that the pairing of people is ultra-rare, and a happy couple that wasn’t a soulmate pair in a café. Throughout the show it repeatedly stressed that love is about how we treat each other and not something you win via a lottery. It’s so rare these days that we get a show that trusts their audience this much to follow the thread and think about the big ideas along the way.

Doubt and Faith in Acts
One of my favorite things I observed in the show is that only Patts and Tien consistently make the kinds of choices that lead to long-term love without getting their asses handed to them. This story featured four different kinds of believers: an apostate, an agnostic, a believer, and an atheist. It’s notable that the apostate (Tai) and the atheist (Lomfon) are the ones causing the most harm to other people in the way they treat others.

Throughout the show, both Tai and Lomfon keep making standoffish choices. Tai has cut off his mom and avoids his coworkers. Lomfon is rude and standoffish. Neither of them is able to hold on to their loves because they are incapable of letting go of their own bullshit.

Conversely, Tien goes out of his way to take care of his brother, his family, and eventually Lomfon. I actually liked that Tai and Lomfon had to make opposite choices in the finale. Lomfon needed to show in his actions that he was serious about Tien, whereas Tai needed to show in his words that he was actually listening to what Patts had been asking for.
For Patts, he doesn’t believe that he and Saengtai are meant to be together because they’re connected by the rain. He does the work of caring for Tai because he is kind. He loves Tai because he’s Tai and not because he’s his soulmate. Patts stays present for Tai. He respects his boundaries. He tries to help Tai deal with his problems. He trusts him.

The Ambiguity
As a lapsed Catholic, I gotta say that I really love the way this show ended without fixing all of the soulmate stuff and giving concrete answers. I like that the show holds firm to its conviction that love is not ordained by the narrative; it is something built by people doing the work to be together. I love how this show challenged the notion of the narrative itself mandating the characters be together and instead reminding them (and us) to be present for our loved ones and to listen to their needs.
I think this show would have been weaker if Tai and Patts had restored their rain connection at the end. Besides, I think it gives them room to play with that idea if they get a second season. I also liked that Tien started hearing someone at the end of the season. He is a believer in soulmates, and I think it’ll be interesting to see someone as earnest as him face that challenge.

Releasing the Tension
Before I get to wrapping up, I want to reiterate again that this show has two plot-relevant blowjobs in it. So often these shows tease us and then don’t release the tension. Worse, when they do release the tension it doesn’t always feel like it’s something the characters lean into with their new dynamic.

After episode 5 I had a moment of panic that maybe I was misreading the show and that somehow Patts wasn’t into Saengtai because of how often I’ve been tricked or teased. Instead, these two end up making out on the floor and Patts was going to blow that man. Then, we don’t cut away from them. We watch them talk about what happened and why Tai is holding back.
Later, on the mountain trip, they delve directly into the tension of having two people who are already dating and know they want each other to follow through on that tension as well with their second scene. Instead of cutting away from it, they keep up the drama of Tai’s hesitancy and allow him to maintain a sense of control by giving Patts pleasure instead. This is something so rarely shown in any genre.

Going further, they let Patts and Tai find peace and closure with Nara. Moreover, they treat Nara’s heartbreak seriously. She isn’t ejected from the group, and is allowed to be disappointed and sad about the loss. At the end of the show, they also confirm our suspicions about her and Dream.

It’s just incredible to have watched a show that didn’t rely on teasing us and instead treated the sex and intimacy seriously.

Thank You To Everyone Who Watched La Pluie
I think, if you have held off on watching this show because you’ve been waiting for confirmation about one plot point or another, just watch it if you’re still on the fence. When you do watch it, try to let go of what you think is supposed to happen or what you want to happen, and instead respond to what the show is giving you. This has been the most legible show at this caliber I’ve experienced since I Told Sunset About You (2020).

At no point did this show try to trick us about anything, and it trusts us to keep up and engage. This show is better when you lean in. It’s better when you discuss it with others. For a show so much about questioning belief, it is amazing how much this show rewards you for believing in it. I don’t know a better show this year.

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An intelligent show for the intelligent audience.

This show does not follow the traditional BL path. You have to be willing to watch with an open mind and accept the fact that things will not go as you expect. If you are willing to do that, you are in for an experience!

This show is aimed at a more mature audience. It doesn't only feature mature adult characters on paper - these characters actually live mature adult lives. They struggle with real issues, doubts, insecurities, and hang-ups. The characters are allowed to make mistakes and experience the consequences. It shows what real-life growth looks like. This show doesn't waste our time with fantasy and magic solutions, it does however, use the fantasy element of the soulmate connection to show how damaging it can be to relationships when you expect "magic" solutions.
This show is about making relationships work in the real world. This show is about communication. I think that what I love most about this show is that it uses a fantasy element to tell a BL story (a fantasy in itself) and ends up being the most realistic portrayal of actual relationships, of any kind for that matter. You get parents/children, brothers, romantic relationships, friendships, divorced couple. All are represented truthfully and thoughtfully.

I saw some reviews saying that the characters behave off-character and there are no explanations for their behavior. I think that this is a very surface level read of these characters. I would encourage you to re-watch the series and see how EVERY ACTION is justified and based in each character's actions and thought process since ep 1. Everything these characters do is justified and we are blessed with a show that really sees its audience as intelligent viewers. It doesn't insult us with useless expositions or characters that scream the subtext. It shows and tells its story in an intelligent, thought provoking way that is so satisfying to watch.

So, if any of this sounds good to you, you WILL enjoy this show. Just remember to come clean of the usual BL expectations and really watch the show.

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OMG AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

No words can adequately describe how phenomenal this show is.
The plot is simple as simple can be: long-time childhood friends to lovers.
Zero angst, just love, clear communication, and tooooons of warm fuzzies :)

What's incredible is how complete the story feels, despite the show being less than twenty minutes long.
Two episodes, both under ten minutes.
And both episodes make fantastic use of their time so that when the credits rolled at the very end, it truly felt like a complete "happily ever after". (It did leave me wanting more, but only because this couple is so darned adorable that I wanted to see more of them, not because I wasn't 100% satisfied with the ending.)

Basically, this is a short, feel-good, friends-to-lovers mini-series that warms the heart (and has you grinning at your screen like an idiot lol).

The only thing less than ten for me was the music, which was an eight.

Kudos to the actors for doing such an incredible job!!! You can feel the emotions, the connection, the love, the desire they have for each other.
Couldn't have asked for anything better.

Thanks so much to the actors, writers, directors, and everyone else who made this fantastic project come to life.
I highly recommend it <3

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Experiencing Youth

I have no other way to describe this drama other than the word 'youth'. I think what made me so attached to this show was that it felt like living through the bittersweet joyful days of youth, one that I never had/may never have. It's very pure, to a point that makes it healing and comforting. If you're looking for a heartwarming drama that can make you smile, I think this may be the right one for you!

The story and the characters are extremely easy to fall in love with, I was just about 5 eps in when I knew it would be hard to move on and now that I've finished it that hasn't changed. Perhaps I'm a tad bit of an emotional person, but even for a fun and happy drama, there were moments that I cried my eyes out for. It wasn't anything that was heartwrenching, but rather it was that bittersweet nostalgia of youth and purity that brought me to tears. It was those moments full of laughter when we're young, that as we grow up, we may not be able to get again.

All the main characters are kind and emotionally mature in their own ways, despite being 'young'. It made me think of the ones who grow up too fast, the little adults that mature too quickly, for better or for worse. I really don't think it gets more youth than this HAHAH.

*spoilers below*

Zhang Lu Rang is actually a really heartbreaking character, who I think is really strong. I think I would have crumbled if I had been in his shoes. He never complains or speaks up about how the favouritsm is affecting him, and it's to a point where we barely get a glimpse of the amount of pain he was in that led to him distancing from his brother. I cried at the part when his brother realised that being quiet and not smiling a lot was not because of his personality, but rather that he couldn't because of the family environment. Zai Zai helped him to brighten up a lot, and every time his dimple smile came out because of Zai Zai, I felt an unexplainable amount of joy.

Zai Zai is everyone's favourite sunshine, she brings so much joy in every moment and scene that she's in. She's fun but she's not weak. There's multiple moments where she stands up for herself and I just adore her. Jiang Jia is an energetic character who always got everyone's back and Gu Ran is a chaotic but actually really kind and wise. Guan Fang is someone who has learnt his lessons and has grown up to become a loving friend and grandson. (If I really go indepth into each character it's never gonna end) They all form healthy relationships and their friendship is to die for frfr, I fall in love with every of their little outtings and all their schenanigans.

The acting I wouldn't say is spectacular performance of the year, but it's mostly because I think we don't dive too deep into intense scenes. They all do a good job in portraying their characters and the most important part of this show: youth. I love love love love the concepts in this drama, mainly speaking of their video diaries. The angle that the show goes for is very nostalgic, as if looking back onto memories just as we would our own. Every moment feels golden and just so precious and endearing, even if it is the simplest of things. I think they did amazing with pacing, other than perhaps the last episode, the pacing is very good and it doesn't feel rushed or draggy and boring. I also love the detail where they turn 17 at ep 17 and so on. It was just so nice to see them grow up and it felt like I was growing with them. The music is also rather fitting, my favourite is 'Paige's Summer' that feels extra nostalgic. I just wish there was more episodes honestly. I'm so attached to them that I would have loved to see every small details of their lives as they grew up. For example, perhaps there could have been more on Rang Rang's healing regarding the issue with his parents.

Overall, I think it's well done in all aespects and it's definitely one of those shows that you rewatch again and again for the comfort. The characters are lovable, there isn't unnecessary drama or misunderstandings, there's healthy relationships, there's healing. there's love, and many many memories. It's definitely a drama that will forever be a comfort, will be super hard to move on T-T.

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❤️

Not my kind of trope but I enjoyed watching it. Although the first few episodes we're kinda boring to me but it got better after episode 24 at least. All in all, I would recommend this drama, it's cute yet so tragic. Prepare a box of tissue for the last arc ?‍♀️ The ending was satisfying and beautiful but I'd take it as a sad ending. It's a typical ending for xianxia dramas, I must say.

I like the overall production, though I find the cgi lacking a bit. I'm impressed with RenMin's acting especiallly in the latter part of the drama. Xiao Zhan, on the other hand, improved a lot?? I like how he made shi ying cold and distant yet so elegant and caring. All of the cast did a great job! The only thing I don't like in this drama is some lines were kinda messy? Idk maybe because I expected more since I've already read the novel before watching this.

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I'm a sucker for a good romance story, and Hidden Love did not disappoint. The story of Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu's forbidden love was heartwarming, sweet, and relatable. I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve over the course of the drama, and I felt like I was right there with them every step of the way.

One of the things I liked most about Hidden Love was the way it dealt with the topic of love. The drama didn't shy away from the challenges of being in love with someone who is not your "type," but it also showed the beauty and power of love. I thought the drama did a great job of portraying the different stages of love, from the initial attraction to the deep, abiding love that can last a lifetime.

Another thing I liked about Hidden Love was the way it explored the theme of friendship. The two leads, Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, are best friends, and their friendship is a major part of the drama. I thought the drama did a great job of showing how friendship can be just as important as love, and how it can help us through tough times.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hidden Love. It's a heartwarming, sweet drama with great characters and a beautiful story. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the BL genre or anyone who loves a good romance story.

Here are some specific things I liked about the show:

* The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable. I felt like I was watching two real people fall in love.
* The story was heartwarming and sweet, but it also dealt with some serious issues. I thought the drama did a great job of balancing the two.
* The characters were relatable and well-developed. I felt like I could understand their motivations and why they made the choices they did.

Here are some things I didn't like as much about the show:

* The pacing was a bit slow at times. I felt the drama could have been more concise without losing any important plot points.
* There were a few plot holes that I didn't quite understand. However, these were minor issues and they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the show.

Overall, I enjoyed Hidden Love and recommend it to fans of the BL genre or anyone who loves a good romance story. It's a heartwarming, sweet drama with great characters and a beautiful story.

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Immensely dull in between

When the series started, it was great... for about 4 episodes. I loved the comedy, the breaking of the fourth wall, the genius straight-faced confident female lead and the idea that it was the male lawyer who was the emotional one was also a great change of pace. I also liked the involvement of the SML cop character. But the story sharply declined after that with nothing happening and everything like I was enjoying about the series had turned into the most dull plot to the point that I kept falling asleep while watching it. There was no chance of me speeding up the show because there was a lot of complicated points being discussed which I would have then missed.

It's only from the 12th episode that the story really picked up again. It was funny again. The breaking of the fourth wall was back and the story was FINALLY moving forward. And even though I loved the last four episodes as well, I was just annoyed the entire time before this because I couldn't recognise the show. I really wanted to see things through and I'm glad I persevered because it has a satisfying ending.

I get that they wanted to build up the story, the suspense and the drama but from episode 5 - 10, it was a struggle. 11 th was good at first and then had a boring second half again. This caused me to avoid watching the drama and I fell back and only when I read that the show finally picked up did I finally binge the remaining 6 episodes. So the team basically is struggling throughout this time and it feels like there is no momentum to the show. I feel like many episodes can even be skipped as you won't miss too much.

This drama would have been better as a 10 - 12 episode series rather than a 16 episode one and then my rating for it would also be far higher but considering how difficult it became for me to continue, 7 is fair on my part.

Some additional points to help you make your decision - I liked the mystery element despite the overcomplicated story; there isn't any romance but there is a some good teamwork and friendships established; the actors did a good job and there was no character that I hated though one of the "kids" was slightly annoying.

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I enjoyed Step by Step, but I can see why some people might not have. The pacing was a bit slow for me, and I would have liked to see more development in the main couple's relationship. However, I thought the chemistry between the two leads was great, and I really enjoyed the heartwarming story. The supporting characters were also funny and added a lot to the show.

Overall, I would give Step by Step a 6 out of 10. It's not the best BL drama I've ever seen, but it has some good points that make it worth watching. If you're a fan of the genre, I recommend trying it.

Here are some specific things I liked about the show:

* The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable. They had great onscreen presence and their interactions were always fun to watch.
* The story was heartwarming and sweet. It was a nice change of pace from some of the more dramatic BL dramas that I've seen.
* The supporting characters were funny and added a lot to the show. I especially liked Chot, who was a great friend to Pat.

Here are some things I didn't like as much about the show:

* The pacing was a bit slow for me. I felt like the show could have been more concise without losing any of the important plot points.

* The timeline was a bit confusing. There were a few time skips that I didn't quite understand, and I felt like the show would have been better if it had been more linear.

Overall, I enjoyed Step by Step and I would recommend it to fans of the BL genre. However, I would be prepared for a slow-paced show with some minor flaws.

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Best drama ever

The ML and FL visual are perfect.
Their acting are perfect to move my heart eventhough the story line are simple.
I watched twice lol, so sweet drama and no tension.
Lusi acting always go high another level for each drama.
The best drama so far I watched.
What I don't like is, the drama too short!!


The ML and FL visual are perfect.
Their acting are perfect to move my heart eventhough the story line are simple.
I watched twice lol, so sweet drama and no tension at all.
Lusi acting always go high another level for each drama. Her acting are so natural and her small gestures and aurura can drive you into the story lines feel.
I never know who is Chen Zheyuan till I watch this drama, omg his eyes are so beautiful and can give a different emotions by just staring. He really don't need to do anything lol.
The best drama so far I watched.
What I don't like is, the drama is too short!

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This Was Going To Be My Favorite K-BL Of All Time

I loved this series so much. From the characters to the story and the overall plot. It was simple yet so well done... until the ending.

Though the story was simple, it completely sucked me in from the beginning. I was invested in the characters and story from the first episode. I spent week after week enjoying every minute of this show.

There are not many ways to write an office romance that is new, fresh and not cliché. Even though this series did not stray from what we have seen before, the story was still well written. So was the plot and the main characters. I could relate to Seunghyun and loved watching him take on being an intern. His best friend was awesome and so was his fellow intern.

I loved watching the romance between Seunghyun and his boss unfold. Them falling in love, starting to date, having fights and misunderstandings and just dealing with the fact that they were intern and boss was so enjoyable and then the finale.

This series started off so strong but it's finale was such a letdown. It left me feeling disappointed because of how oddly mediocre it was. It's like the writers didn't know how to end the series. This resulted in them delivering a rushed unsatisfying finale. This show was going to be may favorite K-BL but just because of that ending, I doubt that I'll ever watch it again.

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Deceptively honest story about loneliness.

This drama took me by surprise, I had no real expectations going in outside of it just being a fairly light and fun romance drama. However, it turns into an incredibly relatable and deceptively complex story that does an incredible job tapping into emotions and feelings that I think most of us have experienced at one time or another.

The prevelant theme of this season is loneliness, manifesting itself in a variety of different ways across the main cast of characters, who find themselves experiencing and dealing with their loneliness in their own way. Some doing it more destructively than others.

Very strong performances from all the female leads (Yoshikawa Ai as Yuki is billed as MC, but scarcely has story for at least half of the shows episodes). I especially enjoyed the slightly unhinged performance by Saito Nagisa as Takahashi Yua, and Yanai Yumena as Maya Moe; who for me was the star of the show.

Very excited to being Season 2!

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