Sprite, the 'Trojan Horse' of the BL series or the debate around homosexuality in sports (I)

Sprite, the 'Trojan Horse' of the BL series or the debate around homosexuality in sports (I)

INTRODUCTION
Produced by Lovemedia Thailand, “Twins”, also known as “Two Bodies, One Heart”, was released on November 3, 2023 and consists of 12 episodes. Starring Sprite and First (a couple formed by actors Frame Ritchanon Sriprasitdacha and Ryan Panya Mcshane, respectively), the series shows a love relationship between two young high-performance athletes who mutually discover their homosexuality and accept it as such.
Although innovative in many ways, “Twins” is actually a fairly conventional love story. However, its strength lies in its elegant simplicity and in making visible topics rarely covered in BL series.
Siwasit Phondongnok and Ball Kanathorn Tabvilai came on board this time to direct the series. Both are renowned Thai directors, the former also a screenwriter and assistant director. His creations include “Night Dream”, “Red Wine in the Dark Night”, “Club Friday Season 8: True Love… or Bond”, “Eclipse”, “609 Bedtime Story”, and the two seasons of “Our Skyy” and “Love Area”, among others.
The progression of the story is spot on. The transition from the protagonist's initial fear and uncertainty as he is forced to leave his comfort zone to have to face an unexpected reality to personal improvement is measured. In the new scenario, the protagonist must quickly connect with strangers and with an unknown sports universe, very demanding and competitive because it is a collective and very popular sport, with a high presence in the media, such as volleyball.

RELATIONSHIP OF THE SERIES WITH OTHER AUDIOVISUALS

Since I read the synopsis, before its premiere, “Twins” reminded me of “Not Me”, the famous 2021 GMMTV series, starring White (Gun Atthaphan Poonsawas) and Sean (Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn). In this BL, the story revolves around White, who receives a call from Tod, a childhood friend, to inform him that his twin, Black, whom he has not seen in years, has been betrayed by one of his companions and He is torn between life and death after receiving a severe beating. This is why White will disguise himself as Black and infiltrate the group of friends to find out who the traitor is, while avoiding being discovered.
The main difference between both series is that “Not Me” includes a political background, the fight for human rights and against discrimination, which still exists, towards LGBT+ people in Thailand, and focuses more on suspense and action, while “Twins” has sports as a background and focuses on romance.

INTERESTING

The interesting thing about the series, in addition to the multiple romances, between these three homosexuals and one heterosexual, is the fact that the protagonist has a twin and will try to prevent anyone from discovering his true identity while he impersonates him.
On the other hand, the audiovisual highlights sports espionage, a very common practice today, when one of the volleyball players will spy for an opposing team by gathering sports strategy data for obvious motivations as old as sport and espionage themselves: information, competitiveness, money. “Twins” also shows the communication and interpersonal relationships between athletes and between them and coaches and managers.
It is also striking that the series aims to make visible harassment in sport, the use of violence, blackmail, threats, verbal and physical aggression between athletes, all favored by social pressure, rivalry between players and teams, emotional stability, the type of competition and its importance and the interests that are involved, topics that are rarely addressed in audiovisual productions, much less in BL.
“Twins” also takes an approach to a health issue with little, if not no, treatment in BL, such as the loss of autonomy and temporary disability, as well as the necessary rehabilitation after an accident. That is to say, the series aims to, and succeeds in, making visible problems that help us raise awareness and rethink these realities.
In my opinion, the most significant thing about the series is the possibility of reopening the debate around the secrecy surrounding homosexuality in sports and the fear of discrimination suffered by athletes from the LGBT+ community if they came out of the closet. Since the first athlete to declare herself homosexual, a woman, the French car racer Hélène Van Zuylen, publicly confirmed having a lesbian relationship with the English poet Renée Vivien, in 1898, many others have followed in her footsteps.
Although homosexuality is illegal in Thailand and homosexual athletes are afraid to identify as such for fear of discrimination and social exclusion, among the international elite there are more and more athletes who have declared their homosexuality after several years of hiding it. However, it is a reality that today the commercial image of those who decide to come out of the closet is revalued by becoming icons for the LGTB+ community and symbols of progress in sport as a stage for the visibility of the group.

PLOT

Zee and Sprite are identical twins who were separated in childhood after their parents divorced. Zee has become the star of a university volleyball team with the support of her mother, while Sprite, a brilliant fighter in a jiu jitsu club, has the support of his father. The unfriendly separation of their parents would lead to the siblings being raised separately, not having a good relationship and each one not knowing about the other's life. The story is told from Sprite's point of view.
The relevant sporting results achieved by Sprite arouse the envy of several of his colleagues in the fight club, who conspire to cause him harm and keep him away from active sports. To do this, they will hire some thugs. Unaware that Sprite has a twin, they confuse the brothers and beat up Zee thinking he is Sprite. Under these circumstances, feeling guilty for having caused collateral damage to his brother, who is in a coma in the hospital, and in response to a request from his mother, who perceives that Zee's life is threatened, Sprite is forced to impersonate his identity until he recovers his health and resumes his place.
His secret mission is to preserve Zee's starting position on the volleyball team with a view to becoming part of the Thai national team, and in the process solve the crime for which his brother's life hangs in the balance. Contributing to the deception will be Salmon (Mimi Ruethaiphat Phatthananapaphangkorn), the coach's assistant, a friend of the twins since childhood and Zee's future love interest.
Zee is a self-centered and antisocial character, lacking ties to others, including his own mother. Self-titled “the key to the team,” he despises everyone equally and is rude to his teammates. The arrival of Sprite, with a completely opposite personality, will initially generate friction. Sprite will immediately sense that his brother enjoys prestige for being a good player, but not popularity. Then, your priority will be to gain everyone's trust, while mastering a sport you have never practiced.
Your primary steps will be aimed at gaining First's friendship, since this is your roommate, and will be the person you will spend the most time with. Being friends with the relevant volleyball player and son of the coach would open the way for him to be friends with others. Also needing to master the dynamics of the game and the rules of volleyball, Sprite understands the need to have someone by his side to train with, but without raising suspicions that he has never actually hit volleyball. His life will change when he falls in love with First.
For his part, First, willing not to interact with an insensitive and arrogant person like Zee, whom he has known since when he was taken by his mother for the first time to a volleyball court, when they were both children, will raise a barrier around him that is difficult to overcome penetrate.

SENTIMENTAL HISTORY

As if it were surrendering a fortified city, in an undeclared war, Sprite would first lay siege to it and then launch all its firepower from the catapults and trebuchets until destroying the strong walls that it could not overcome with kindness and good intentions. Like the Achaean army at the siege of Troy, Sprite would employ battering rams and assault towers in a long-awaited attempt to take the besieged city.
Could the creators have intentionally conceived Sprite as the horse-shaped device used by the Achaeans to enter the Troy of the Homeric poems? I would like to think that they designed the character taking into consideration this mythical creation or, if it existed, the war machine transfigured by the chroniclers' fantasy, introducing an important variation in the myth for the conception of our hero: it would not be a destructive deception.
It would be Jack, Mike, Sam, Deddeaw, Tom, Ko and other talented athletes who would take the spirited wooden steed as a sign of their victory, introduce it inside the walls about to be demolished and take it to the volleyball courts without knowing that inside was hidden a boy willing to love another boy, without foreseeing that instead of a fierce warrior prepared to kill, a young man capable of dying of love would emerge from the hollow ambush.
Thus begins a sexy game of cat and mouse with increasing sexual tension. Sprite would never suspect that his feelings would soon change and that friendship would turn into love. In this way, the old and classic trope of “enemies to friends and friends to lovers” is gradually woven.
Sprite has to alternate volleyball training with his combat sport practices, which he does not give up. Exercising volleyball during the day and jiu jitsu at night exhausts him physically and mentally. On and off the field of play, Zee's coldness and arrogance are quickly overcome by Sprite's simplicity and sociability. Little by little the twin will create strong bonds of friendship, loyalty and camaraderie with the young athletes.
The best moment of each day for Sprite is when he arrives at his bedroom at night. Despite being tired after endless training sessions, he seeks to create a deep connection with First. He always receives a cordial and friendly “Zee” with suspicion. This will make him doubt why his roommate is acting so strange. “Has Zee gone crazy or have they changed people?” First would surely think on more than one occasion.
Step by step, Sprite will get closer to First, break the ice and end up falling in love with him. Both will discover love for the first time in their short lives. Although Sprite was always the one to initiate the flirting, it will be First who first confesses to being in love when he assures him that he didn't know when he started having feelings for him, but it bothered him when Sprite was around other people. “Is it jealousy? “Does this mean I like you?” he will ask you point-blank.
However, First will frequently be plagued by uncertainty as to whether Sprite really loves him or is playing with his feelings, since on several occasions he observes him in a romantic attitude with Salmon, unaware that the person who is interacting with the girl at that time is the real Zee. This will cause jealousy and misunderstandings, fueled by Sprite's inability to still recognize who he really is. Their relationship becomes tense, suffocating at times. The love between them will also be put to the test, towards the end, with the arrival of a friend of First, who has secretly been in love and intends to win him over.
Once Zee has recovered, Sprite will ask him to allow him to continue impersonating him for a while longer. When asked why, Sprite will confess to his brother and Salmon that the reason is having fallen in love with First and wanting to stay by her side to get to know each other better.
What many BL fans will like about the sexy series that doesn't shy away from showing passion and bare torsos, are the sizzling relationship scenes. You will be pleased to know that the two main actors, with well-sculpted bodies, have numerous passionate exchanges whether in the bedroom, on the volleyball court, the dining room or the hallways of the building, secretly, although in view of others.
Their kisses and looks are passionate; and their sexy interactions are highlighted with a refined cinematic style. Every time they kiss, look into each other's eyes, touch each other's bodies or make love, there is an elegant atmosphere that creates an intimate and pleasant atmosphere. The stage is not broken even in the moments of greatest hostility. The sexual tension that surrounds the boys is vivid, palpable, and demonstrates the chemistry between the characters.
These performers feel very comfortable with each other, immersing themselves in the physical relationship in a sensual and aggressive way. The artists do a convincing job and make their attraction seem authentic.
Frame does a plausible job of showing multiple emotions from the first to the last scene, from a contemplative look to one of surprise, from suppressed anguish to the euphoric cry of triumph, from hesitation to complete self-confidence, from a cute sulking to an expression of placidity, from the pose of an innocent person to that of an aggressive appearance, from the confusion of a frightened fawn to the attitude of a lion ready to devour its prey. That says a lot about his acting ability.
However, in my opinion, the character played by Ryan is the most adorable of all. Behind his taciturn, doubtful, desolate appearance most of the time, first because he cannot understand the behavior of the boy he believes is Zee, and then because he thinks that the person he loves is playing with his feelings, there is an immense honest human being, loving, hopeful, principled, true to himself and others, especially Zee.

OTHER HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS

Sam (Team Tatchanon Thongpao), the team's libero, has been secretly in love with Zee for years. The Zee now before him disturbs and confuses him. He can't understand it. He will soon understand that he has no hope, as he is the only one to realize that Sprite loves First. Pursuing him, Sam will meet Thun (Pooh Phiangphor), Sprite's best friend and fight club partner. Thun will fall in love at first sight with Sam and his feelings will end up being reciprocated. Consoling Sam from his disappointment in love is the strategy used to get closer to him. The couple provides humor. Will the couple be able to reach port happily? Will Thurn manage to get out of the pedestrian accident? Will the traffic incident catch Sprite's attention and make him return to find his friends?
Another homosexual relationship is that of Jack and Mike (played by Tuss Thotsawat Sing-uppo and Ten Apivit Ueamahasopa, respectively). This is the only romantic couple on the team upon Sprite's arrival. The romance they live is not exploited to the fullest. There is constant tension between the two boys without the reason for this being clearly explained, and their characters lack development and time on screen. Their love affair is only shown in sporadic sexual dalliances. Will Jack's dreams of deepening the relationship come true or, on the contrary, will it remain the same as it has been until now, as Mike suggests?

AS AN EPILOGUE

Towards the conclusion of the series, the viewer's fatigue is noticeable due to the delay in Sprite revealing his true identity to First and putting an end to mistrust once and for all. The creators overlong the suspense caused by the crime and the resulting lie, since it is assumed that the deception will be revealed once it is discovered who hit Zee and the danger is then eliminated, but he fails to advance the investigation for much of the story. series, dedicated at the last minute to pursuing Salmon. She will be in charge of discovering how to unmask the culprits.
Perhaps two fewer episodes would have given the possibility of reaching the climax sooner and would have been useful to round out the story with more nuances, add depth to the events and the development of the characters.
However, I commend Sprite for sticking to his moral convictions and keeping the fraud a secret until the right time to reveal it. His character would have seemed pathetic if, out of love for First or a quick return to his favorite sport or fear of the ruse being discovered, he had unmasked himself when his mission was not yet finished. I'm glad Sprite stood up for his principles, even when it could ruin his love relationship and inner peace. I respect and admire the never-die spirit of his character.
The truth will cause the wall that previously separated the two to rise once again in front of Sprite and First, who were always positioned on the same side of the playing field.
Will Sprite manage to accomplish his secret mission? What will happen to Sprite and First's relationship when the latter discovers that the person he loves has cheated on him? Will the two be able to stand again on the same side of the volleyball field or will they have to content themselves with looking at each other, as rivals, each from the opposite area, through a rectangular mesh one meter wide by 9.50 meters long located 2 10 meters high? Will the 'Trojan Horse' manage to penetrate and conquer the fortified wall again?

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The multifaceted nature of queer relationships in the tone of romantic tragedy

The multifaceted nature of queer relationships in the tone of romantic tragedy
"When your adventure is an adventure with everyone around you"

Experiencing fun and warmth is the proposal of the daring and heartbreaking 'The Outing', the Thai LGBTQIA+ romantic tragedy that will present the different dynamics of 22 people from three families who attend the annual excursion of a major advertising agency in a resort.
The drama is about three families - those of Anan, Phupha and Taurus - founders of a successful advertising agency, who meet at a resort to participate in an annual excursion. All members of each family and their employees must bring a partner to this holiday without knowing that their relationship will change forever.
From the first moment, several questions will arise: who organized an annual company trip? Could there be hidden agendas in inviting 22 strangers to a party over a weekend? Is this a trip to cover up an affair? What will happen when the true intentions of each of the guests are known?
At the party at which these characters, unknown to each other, will be present and against the backdrop of the many interests at stake, as those gathered intend to raise an enormous amount of capital before their company is listed on the stock market, the complexities in the relationships will be revealed. human like never before, by showing the multifaceted nature of queer relationships.
Very innovative to include 22 main actors from the Thai entertainment industry.
The script by Pete Kasidej Sundararjun, Three Supawith Utama and Rose Chanasorn Makhiew, which skillfully mixes suspense, thriller, mystery, romance and drama, will entrust us with the darkest secrets of the private lives of those involved in 12 episodes, kept safe from their closest family and friends. In this way, human relationships are filled with the wounds of love and the taste of betrayal.
The camera, skillfully manipulated by Pai Ekkapop Paiaree, will follow each of the 22 characters to reveal their different points of view on love and sexual and romantic relationships, in the midst of jealousy, greed, envy, strong sex scenes, misunderstandings. and marital instability. The love, greed, madness and ferocity of human relationships will be revealed through the bond of those present at this outing. A bitter conflict will affect everyone in one way or another.
In these circumstances, in which suspense, mystery, romance and drama are mixed, everyone will choose to betray their lovers, no matter if the person they are married to or their boyfriends. The annual outing will never be the same.
By presenting a cast full of famous Thai stars who manage to show an unusual dynamic in LGBTIQ+ series, revealing the dark secrets of 22 people while they navigate different points of view on love, fans of the genre have been waiting since its announcement for the series in which Nothing is out of the ordinary, from secret adventures to occasional bloodshed, from apparent naivety to the most complex human emotions that ultimately lead some to betray their loved ones.
I liked that the show also includes 14 expert artists in the Thai music industry, who will present 13 songs that make up the Original Soundtrack, to tell the characters' feelings in their entirety. Tul and Vaidun are some of the guest singers.
For his part, M.R. Chalermchatri Yukol or Khun Chai Adam, the leader of "Bison Idea", presents the topic of infidelity between couples.
In this work by Viu Original, its director, whom we know from 'Remember 15' (2022), and as producer of 'Nha Harn' (2019), seems to have taken the pulse of telling complex stories, with striking underlines and highlights , in which each character will have their own plot, to convey a secret love story, which is both spicy and will attract the attention of the most demanding fans.
If the successful BL series 'KinnPorsche' (2022) opened the appetite of Thai drama fans for thrillers, 'The Outing' proposes not to disappoint them.

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Slow-burning love and a tangible chemistry that goes beyond the screen

Legend has it that thousands of years ago humans were made up of two people. That being had two heads as well as two pairs of arms and legs. His wisdom was delirious, his reasoning was precise, and in his body two hearts beat with harmony and fullness. The person was happy because he lived in love with his counterpart, but one day he defied the gods and received the most severe punishment: being separated from his other half. He was condemned to search for the one who was taken from him in order to feel whole again.
From that moment on we wander the world looking for the ideal person, the perfect partner who will complement us.
What if love is not in that stranger but in someone very close? What if your childhood friend, the one who accompanied you since you were a child in childhood games and pranks, or who was a little older in high school or university, could be the perfect match? Couldn't the love of your life be that friend who has been there all the time, by your side, the one who listens to you, the one who knows you well, the one who gives you advice, a hug in the moment of triumph or a shoulder in the moment of pain and sadness? It may seem strange, but if he has been there for so many years to support us, maybe he is also there to love.
If there is a recurring trope in film and television, it is the movies and series of best friends who fall in love, something that is also very common in real life.
With this premise, Ayaka Kato, the director of the Japanese BL series 'My Personal Weatherman' and 'Zenra Meshi', called on the screenwriter Takeshi Miyamoto ('Perfect Propose') to work together, as they did in 'Old Fashion Cupcake' , to adapt and give life, in real action, to the characters and events of 'Kare no Iru Seikatsu' ('Living With Him'), the popular original manga by Toworu Miyata. Koji Nomura also joined in writing the scripts. Together they created a drama that exposes the complexities of love, painting a vivid picture of a relationship that evolves over just over a decade.
NBC Universal Entertainment Japan's romantic comedy-drama tells the story of two childhood friends who reunite after a few years apart and realize they have feelings for each other. As they navigate the challenges of early youth and the expectations of their respective social circles, they must decide if they are brave enough to risk everything for a chance at love.
The narrative, as the title suggests, offers snapshots of a life together, weaving together the shared experiences of Kazuhito and Ryo. Over the course of 10 half-hour episodes, the series encapsulates the bittersweet exploration of young adulthood, highlighting fleeting but impactful moments that shape their relationship.
In a total departure from his role in the 'Kamen Rider' franchise, Sato Ryuga, in his first leading role, plays Kazuhito Tanaka, a young man with a sparkling aura, good personality and physical appearance. This young man has had feelings for his friend Ryota for many years. There was a past between the two when he was a member of the baseball club, which could be the key to their union and attraction.
For his part, Sakai Sho, a Japanese social media influencer who turned to acting by participating in the film 'Tokyo, I Love You' and the series 'Jeanne no Sabaki' and 'Takara-kun to Amagi-kun' , the latter also from the BL genre, plays Ryota Natsukawa, a housewife-type boy who is good at household chores, such as cooking and washing clothes, with an honest and expressive personality.
They are both best friends since childhood and total opposites. Ryo, who in high school was part of the "normal" group, today longs to be independent from his parents and living in his own house while studying at university will give him the desired freedom. Meanwhile, Kazuhito, the one from the "popular" group "As he goes through high school, he is in need of a place to sleep. The turning point of this story begins when the two friends meet again.
Upon reconnecting, Ryota recognizes that, despite his perfect appearance and pleasant personality, Kazuhito does not have a girlfriend. Curious to know why he hasn't found his better half, he tries to point out his flaws from a girlfriend's point of view. But you can't see any imperfections.
This is how he proposes to have a date, with the pretext of finding him an ideal girl. However, Ryota finds his heart fluttering at Kazuhito's kind words and actions. As the two deepen their relationship and Ryota gets to know more about the young man with whom he shares a roof, he wonders if he is in love or if it is just a deep feeling of friendship.
As they share time together and the old friendship seems to have been rekindled, the spark will fan their hearts. Little by little they are getting closer. Kazuhito is the one who takes the first step, declaring his old and undying love to Ryo. He suddenly finds himself in the middle of a crossroads: not knowing whether or not to love his friend, or whether he is right or wrong. How can you find the answer to this great enigma?
As they deepen their friendship, love simmers. They will need time for everything to develop. The series shows us how little by little two souls recognize each other and a beautiful feeling is created in their hearts. Will they be ready to take the next step?
The interplay of love and memories of the past drive their individual and shared narratives. The uncomfortable initial encounter matures into meaningful dialogues, fostering the expected physical interactions on the part of the audience. Lovers of the BL genre will gladly receive this story about best friends who fall in love, for the innocence and development of their characters and for the dramatic and even fun situations that are generated when they discover that they are in love.
Kazuhito and Ryo are the clear example that shows that opposites attract, and that they can be very happy together. The reunion and living together under the same roof shakes the lives of the two young people. These events trigger a story marked by the complexity of human bonds, an aspect that, although typical of the romantic genre, in this work delves into love, friendship, discovery, acceptance, family relationships and reflection on complexities of being an LGBT person today.
The audience will obtain a lot of information about the hidden feelings and thoughts of the two, mainly those of Ryo, which will be revealed through the conversations of the protagonists and the evocation of the moments lived long ago since they met until their lives He set them on different paths. The viewer will find it nice to see the two of them together. The way their lives are told is actually very enjoyable and seems authentic. The flashbacks will help you travel to the past to learn that there was always something special between them.
The stories of the secondary characters offer the viewer even more information about their love story. The plot arc develops throughout the drama: the friends will meet again to become lovers and will have a very romantic ending.
There's something undeniably touching about watching two best friends fall in love. However, everything can be unpredictable when this happens. Will things work out because they know each other and have a deep enough connection to embark on the journey of love? Or, on the contrary, will one of them, or both, not take the step for fear of breaking the friendship? This is precisely a dilemma in which we can all be at some point.
Sato Ryuga is the star of the show. As Kamen Rider Geats, his transition into a romantic role as the young college student who falls in love with his best friend is believable. He has a strong screen presence and those romantic scenes can delight the audience.
The dramatization presents a peculiarity in its conception: it is a look at homosexual youth in a conservative society with strong patriarchal and heteronormative traditions in which discrimination against LGTB+ people persists and gay marriage or equal marriage is not recognized.
In order to bring together current generations and members of the LGBT community who are increasingly interested, some in understanding relationships between people of the same sex in a changing society and others in seeing themselves reflected in various audiovisual content and formats, the director He guided the production under certain influences from cinema and serial products of the moment. The creative photographic work, the use of lights and the unique transition curtains show a relationship with the plot.
'Kare no Iru Seikatsu' also surprises with one of the most original presentation designs of the latest JBL dramas, where even a minimal detail denotes intention, insight, while revealing identity elements of the work. Music, an essential complement in fiction, also fits like a perfect piece in the scenes, especially the romantic ones.
However, the true essence of the series lies in the tangible chemistry between the two characters. His portrayal of Ryo and Kazuhito's quiet, fun, and tender relationship transcends the screen, filled with raw emotions, chaos, and affection.

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Two boyfriends who return to make the viewer fall in love

In 'Stay by My Side', the romantic and supernatural comedy broadcast between July 7 and September 1, 2023, Isaac Yang plays Jiang Chi, the son of a renowned family of doctors who defies his parents, because they They want the young man to follow in their footsteps in a career in Medicine while he dreams of being a lawyer.
The boy who in the early years of the century dreamed of specializing in Fine Arts, had to wait until 2023 to star in his first LGBTIQ+ themed series, after his debut in the film 'Leaving Virginia', from 2020.
The mastery with The way the actor plays the characters he has played until today distinguishes him as one of the most promising faces on the current and future Taiwanese acting scene.
For his part, Hong Wei Zhe plays Bu Xia, an Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as one of the best players on the university basketball team. With this role, the Taiwanese singer of Yue Hua, also taking his first steps in the television industry of that Asian island.
Throughout the series, his character, rich in nuances, goes through dramatic moments, as well as hilarious ones, as he discovers that he has a paranormal ability to be able to hear ghosts murmuring in his ears. However, he will understand that being close to Jian Chi, his enemy and new dormmate, will allow him to escape the nightmare of having to face annoying "apparitions" every day.
Bu Xia's interest in having Jiang Chi help him, with his close presence, to "exorcise" the ghosts, will be interpreted by him as his dormmate having fallen in love with him.
This misunderstanding will lead to an unexpected and unlikely romance between these two young people with great differences in personalities, giving rise to a pleasant and fun series.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), gets 'Stay by My Side Special' (免疫屏蔽番外篇), update the viewer on the evolution of the romance between these two boys, a year after the events narrated in the series.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi, who seem to us, due to their tender and constant romantic interaction, to be two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, allow the viewer to expand their vision of the couple's bond from a physical and emotional point of view. and spiritual, while, with the same intensity, it exposes old and new conflicts of the lovers, because in addition to dealing with economic problems or the possibility of coexistence after graduating, now the ghosts "haunt" Jiang Chi, because already in the finals from 'Stay by My Side' this character had agreed to be the one who heard the voices of the spirits or wandering or lost souls, instead of Bu Xia.
The Special episode will allow us to appreciate the personal growth and as a couple of the protagonists. Bu Xia is able to recognize that he has been a child protected all his life by his grandfather, his sister and the apprentices of the temple owned by his family, and now by Jiang Chi, but today, thanks to love, he can take the reins of his life and take responsibility for both himself and the man he loves.
Although Jiang Chi does not have the support of his relatives for rejecting his parents' impositions, this does not prevent his determination to love, care for and protect Bu Xia, demonstrating that he is a character who has gained maturity and growth.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi, who seem to us, due to their tender and constant romantic interaction, to be two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, allow the viewer to expand their vision of the couple's bond from a physical and emotional point of view. and spiritual, while, with the same intensity, it exposes old and new conflicts of the lovers, because in addition to dealing with economic problems or the possibility of coexistence after graduating, now the ghosts "haunt" Jiang Chi instead of Bu Xia, Well, already at the end of 'Stay by My Side' the future lawyer had agreed to be the one who listened to the voices of the spirits or wandering or suffering souls.
The Special episode will allow us to appreciate the personal growth and as a couple of the protagonists. Bu Xia is able to recognize that he has been a child protected all his life by his grandfather, his sister and the apprentices of the temple owned by his family, and now by Jiang Chi, but today, thanks to love, he can take the reins of his life and take responsibility for both himself and the man he loves.
Although Jiang Chi does not have the support of his relatives for rejecting his parents' impositions, this does not prevent his determination to love, care for and protect Bu Xia, demonstrating that he is a character who has gained maturity and growth.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi are lavish in showing the love and affection they have for each other, in showing their constant concern for each other, and they will take the step of continuing their life together after graduating, which demonstrates the constant evolution of the couple. The chemistry between the two is evident.
The Special Episode gives us Hong Wei Zhe performing "Newton and Apple", the opening theme of the series, accompanied by Isaac Yang, who is not a singer.
'Stay by My Side Special' has the added bonus of incorporating two new faces from the world of Taiwanese entertainment, as singers Chu Yv Ching and Eason Lee make their debut as actors by giving body to the Sanctuary trainees. Let us remember that the latter is the one who performs the closing theme: "Answer If You Hear", in addition to "Falling in Love", another of the songs that make up the soundtrack of the series, along with "Changed", by Yu Ching, and "Mr. Ya Li Shan Da", by Luna.
Joining the cast are Liao Wei Po as Guo Zheng Hong, Superway Hsu as Bai Yun Haom and Kevin Chang as Lan Bai Wei, members of the university basketball team and friends of the two protagonists.
Cai Fei Qiao is in charge of closing the cast, playing Haunting ghost.
The script for 'Stay by My Side Special' is in the hands of this actress, recognized for writing the script for the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024 and being the executive producer of other classics of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', as well as for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
We have already seen the Special Episodes of 'VIP Only', 'You Are Mine', and 'Stay by My Side Special'. The only thing missing is the 'Anti-Reset' Special, scheduled to be released soon.
The public could consider that this audiovisual is a perfect closing to the series, as it manages to answer questions that remained latent, but Vidol seems to think otherwise, periodically returning us to the protagonists of the BL series in one way or another.
With the introduction of Chu Yv Ching and Eason Lee, the creators may be considering the relevance of developing a series in the future in which the two of them are the protagonists, while Isaac Yang and Hong Wei Zhe intervene in supporting roles or as guest artists.
Or is it my desire to continue watching this couple of actors?
The success of 'Stay by My Side Special' could be decisive in this endeavor. So from now on I give my support.

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'Pray in Love Special' follows in the footsteps of police officer Yuan Shao Hu (Zheng Nan Zhong), and Yang Qi An (Huang Li Feng), the first concerned about the danger that threatens the illegitimate son of the Yang family, interested in this in seeking revenge for his mother's suicide due to a political conspiracy in which his father is involved, events narrated in 'Pray in Love', the series that follows the love relationship that emerged between these two young people as they seek justice.
The short film, a prequel to Taiwan's first Ganghood-style LGBTIQ+-themed romantic series, which mixes mystery and crime, begins when the character played by Zheng Nan Zhong, remembered for his participation in the Taiwanese drama 'Amazing Grace', from 2020, He arrives home at night, drunk, after participating with his coworkers in the celebrations for his promotion, to discover that the character played by Yang Qi An, the renowned actor leading the Taiwanese drama 'Anti Reset' (2024), the Chinese film 'Kinematics Theory' (2018) and the also Chinese series 'The Ambiguous Focus' (2018), has abandoned it.
In compliance with his police work, Yuan Shao Hu must attend the wedding of the son of a renowned politician the next day, where he is surprised to learn that the person who is getting married is none other than his vengeful boyfriend Yang Qi An. , who has pretended to agree to a marriage that, for political reasons, has been arranged by his biological father, Yang Qing Hai.
'Pray in Love Special', which does not even have the entire short film, the latter containing 20 minutes in length, seeks to raise funds to be able to film the second story created by "Xia Hua Art" after 'Wu Xie', since its creators, director and screenwriter Maxine Hsieh, and producers Kumi Fu and Willson Chiang, after obtaining the Arts and Culture Grant from the Film and Television Office of the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture in 2021, have not been able to obtain the financial resources necessary to carry out their work.
Let's support the work of SoulChill, the same studio that produces 'Innocent'.

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A story of love, discovery, acceptance and second chances

With the speed of survival we have insisted on forgetting the pandemic, focused on the new challenges that life imposes, day by day.
And there is the art to bear witness to how Covid-19 changed the world as we knew it until then, and among these changes stands out the way in which human beings manage to communicate and establish diverse relationships, including romantic ones, amid limitations of not being able to interact face to face with others.
'In a Relationship', the romantic series with an LGBTIQ+ theme, directed and produced by Napat Worakitpunya, allows us to appreciate the emergence of a love relationship between two teenagers, against the backdrop of social networks and the period of incidence of the pandemic in our lives.
This is one of the BL series produced by Jinloe Media Work, the studio that has also made 'Hit Bite Love' (2023), 'What the Duck' (2018) and its sequel 'What the Duck 2: Final Call' (2019 ).
Starring Nine Trin Summasub, as Tono, and Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta, in the role of Boss, the 2022 Thai drama takes us into characters whose existences are affected by the circumstances of a pandemic that disrupts everything in its path. However, in an indistinct manner, but at the same time in close union, each of them manages to recognize in the sad event the possibility of loving each other, growing as people, the power of forgiveness and second chances.
With a script by Chim Sedthawut Inboon, Tono, a teenager with a growing reputation among online video game players, is presented as the central axis of the plot. One day, while he is live streaming and recording one of his videos, a user he later identifies as Boss criticizes his gaming skills in a chat room. Annoyed, Tono confronts him and they both agree to participate in a video game competition to see who is the best.
After losing the game, Tono must fulfill the winner's three demands: The last request is that Tono become her boyfriend! Reluctant to comply with this demand, Tono will be forced to listen to the constant flirting of the person who claims to have been in love with him for some time.
Will Boss manage to change his social media status to "in a relationship"? Will love arise between these two teenagers? Will they manage to nurture a loving bond beyond any screen? Will they be aware that the true essence of a relationship lies in the mutual understanding, support and love that is built day by day, surpassing virtual scenarios?
The truth is that this is how Boss and Tono begin a relationship, friendly first, romantic later, thanks to cultivating meaningful conversations every day, like those of any teenager of our days, building memories and strengthening emotional bonds.
Boss is a well-defined character. For some time now he has been aware of his sexual identity, and he finds himself caught between the desire to be honest with himself and with the boy he loves, as he fears suffering a new love rejection for having his face marked by youthful acne. That is why he has communicated through a filter and hides his true identity from Tono.
But despite this dark side, the character created by Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta turns out to be more than the simple playboy he can seem every time he flirts. He understands when Tono needs space and backs away, but he still shows his love and sends constant signals of support to the teenager in difficult times, such as during Tono's illness, or when he is upset because his friend Jade has decided not to play with him.
Knowing and loving Tono will make him grow as a person and trust in himself.
For his part, Tono is a boy without major conflicts in his life. Busy with video games and virtual classes due to the pandemic, he has only suffered from his parents' divorce. His character goes through several very different moments throughout the series. She experiences intense feelings when Boss confesses his love for her, and emotional stress when she suspects that the young man she loves has been playing with her feelings.
Tono shows maturity when he forgives Boss and by encouraging him to be himself and grow as a person. Through her relationship with Boss, Tono will discover not only her sexual identity, but also her true feelings and first love.
At first, I find his performance a little uncomfortable, but as the episodes progress, we can see an actor who takes on the role of a typical teenager of our days, giving it his own interpretation and meaning, as he focuses on his goal and fight for what he wants.
Isolated from everything and everyone, even his family members, who are never shown on screen nor are there any references to them, Tono navigates between doubts and insecurities, while trying to understand his own feelings. Can a boy fall in love with another boy?
Although sometimes a certain lack of rhythm is felt in the progression, the best moments of 'In a Relationship' are reserved for the final episodes, when the story gains in maturity and complexity by deepening the plot in the themes addressed, managing to enrich the dynamics of the love relationship and add a fascinating growing tension between the characters.
Intimately and emotionally, 'In a Relationship' addresses universal themes such as the search for authenticity, discovery, personal acceptance, second chances, identity, friendship and love, with a refreshing and sensitive narrative. Along the way, both young people discover much more about themselves and what love and friendship really mean.
The two boys will begin a journey that will change their lives forever. During it, Boss and Tono develop an unexpected and deep connection as they share their personal stories, fears, preferences and dreams.
The music of TheMoonwillalwaysbewithme, Foam and Boxx Music Team helps capture the beauty of first love and self-discovery in adolescence, with totally recognizable boys, but at the same time with the pain of lying.
With evocative cinematography limited by the pandemic scenario, the series immerses us in a crucial moment in the lives of its protagonists where emotions are on the surface.
The series explores many of the challenges that we can encounter every day on social networks and messaging applications, such as the possibility of someone lying or hiding their true identity because they feel ashamed of their own life or body, the prospect of closing distances with people who are far from us; the way to understand, approach and expose our personal life and our relationships, or suffer from the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome caused by dependence on social networks.
Likewise, 'In a Relationship' portrays other of the daily challenges faced by people on social networks, who may feel that they are constantly in contact, but the quality and depth of their conversations may decrease. Or what is related to the emotional tone, which is often misinterpreted in texts and messages, which can generate unnecessary conflicts, due to the lack of eye contact and body language, essential for effective communication.
That is the reason why Tono frequently demands the need to complement digital communication through real, in-person connection. That is, being able to see yourself outside of virtual spaces, to be able to openly communicate your feelings, concerns, doubts and insecurities... in short, give free rein to love.
For this reason, I applaud that final scene in which the empty chairs that have always been occupied by our two protagonists prevail, because finally both, after the dangers of the pandemic have disappeared, have met outside the screens of their digital devices.

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Love overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, differences and ghosts

A love that overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, personality differences and ghosts

'Stay by My Side' begins with an unexpected and involuntary collision between Gu Bu Xia, the Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as he is one of the best players on the university basketball team, and Jiang Chi, the future lawyer and son from a famous family of doctors who has just been transferred to Yong Yu University.
After several setbacks, these two young people, soon declared enemies, begin to live in the bedroom occupied by Bu Xia, since Jiang Chi has been forced to make a living by his own means after defying his parents, who want the boy to continue his steps in the career of Medicine.
Starring Isaac Yang as Jiang Chi, and Hong Wei Zhe as Bu Xia, the romantic and supernatural comedy with an LGBTIQ+ theme revolves around the unlikely romance between these two young college students with major personality differences, marked by paranormal ability of one of the protagonists, which provides a pleasant and fun novelty to the audiovisual product.
Soon the tender, light and happy series will introduce us to the lives of both characters. While Jiang Chi is an excellent basketball player, he does not seem interested in joining the varsity team, not wanting anything to distract him from his studies. Additionally, he works several part-time jobs to avoid being financially dependent on his parents.
For his part, the orphan Bu Xia has been raised by his grandfather, a spiritual medium, in a temple run by his sister Gu Bu Tao (Jin Cheng). After the death of the old man, the shy and insecure Bu Xia hears ghost voices murmuring in his ears, a circumstance that will worsen just as the new roommate enters his life.
Bu Xia, who has lived alone in his bedroom until Jiang Chi's arrival, will soon come to a conclusion: being close to the boy who now sleeps a few meters from his bed brings him peace, as the ghosts feel self-conscious and flee before him. Your presence. The more he interacts with Jiang Chi, the less he hears the voice of those who "pull the chain." That is why he will try to always have him around him..., but he hides the reason from him.
For his part, the law student mistakes Bu Xia's camaraderie as if the boy was flirting with him. "Could it be that Bu Xia has fallen in love with me?" he will ask himself. Jiang Chi comes to think that he is the object of his dormmate's love interest.
As a result, the supernatural element spices up a series with greater originality than the classic college romances, while the relationship between the two boys takes us on a journey surrounded by mystery and intrigue and in which love can overcome misunderstandings, differences in personalities and even outwit the ghost chase.
Likewise, the series will allow us to appreciate how two rivals can come to love each other with such madness and passion, to the point of one of them accepting the transfer of the uncomfortable ability to hear ghost voices that the other suffers.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), commissions Cai Fei Qiao, known for being the screenwriter of the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024, the executive producer of another classic of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', and for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
Lovers of the genre will be pleased with 'Stay by Me Side' for its strong BL content, for the tender and constant romantic interaction of the protagonists, for portraying two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, for exploring the bond of the physical, emotional and spiritual couple, for their happy ending.
Likewise, fans of BL series will like the complicity of Bu Xia's sister and Jiang Chi, both interested in the young man's well-being and happiness.
I like the character played by Hong Wei Zhe: a boy who shows traits of insecurity and cowardice in the face of paranormal phenomena, who doesn't? But he leaves us with a memorable memory, especially when he discovers that he has fallen in love with another boy, and there he acts not infrequently in a childish and insecure way as well. What sometimes overreacts? His contagious laugh, his innocent eyes, his angelic face redeem him from excesses.
The mysterious and reserved character played by Isaac Yang is equally convincing, especially when he seeks to protect Bu Xia from ghosts and everything that could affect him. He is a lover who gives himself completely to the loved one.
I would have liked the series to delve deeper into the denunciation of possible homophobia (the reasons are not clear), perceived when Bu Xia and Jiang Chi's relationship becomes gossip among the other university students, who will try to obtain invasive photos of the loving couple, or make annoying comments in physical and virtual settings.
Isn't Taiwan the only Asian territory where Equal Marriage or Homosexual Marriage has been approved? Is sexual diversity not widely accepted by the Taiwanese population? Are same-sex sexual relations not legal? Why then consider the fact that two boys holding hands and attracting each other on a university campus or on the street in Taipei a public spectacle?

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A love that surpasses the arc of time and the lives of the two lovers

Liu Li is a BL-themed novelist who wants to love vehemently, so that he can then express his thoughts in writing. Under the pseudonym Morris, he has published two best-selling novels based on his real-life experiences, but today, after the rejection of his platonic love, he suffers from writer's block and cannot find inspiration to write the third book, which he has already demands his editor.
Seeking inspiration, he sits at the same table every day at Old House, his favorite meat noodle and hot sauce shop, located in the lower part of the building where he rents an apartment, and where he makes blue origami birds for hours, while waiting for the arrival of the muse.
Gu Jin, or Boss Gu, as his employees call him, who was a successful advertising executive until his resignation, caused by a scandal involving his despotic mother, decides not to give up in the face of adversity and takes advantage of his culinary vocation to set up his own restaurant. business as chef and owner of Old House, where he will meet Liu Li.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, 'VIP Only' (保留席位 / Pao Liu Hsi Wei (Bao Liu Xi Wei), the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+-themed romantic comedy-drama spins in around the love relationship between the handsome and attractive chef who owns the creative and retro restaurant, and the shy boy with a vocation as a novelist who, although he has never been in a relationship, recognizes that as a writer he has many ideas about what it means to be in love.
Director another dreams of continuing to promote his career as a writer.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, 'VIP Only' is a tender and delicious story of love and improvement marked by literature and cooking, a relationship that arises between stoves and tables restaurant; a chef with high culinary skills and a regular customer.
Vidol is the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes this and other BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023).
Like many of the dishes prepared by the chef, the love between the two young people simmers. It all begins when Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination and inspire him to continue his work as a writer.
This is how in the middle of a role-play in which they both date each other and pretend to be in love, love surprises them.
Between plates of food, Gu reading Liu Li's novels, hearing about each other's lives while folding origami, or the novelist's determination to learn to cook because Gu is very passionate about the culinary art, both boys will leave getting to know each other and becoming closer, until they discover that they have much more in common than they think, since they were friends in childhood.
Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi / "Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), Gu's employee at the restaurant the first and Liu Li's friend the second, will help the two boys in their romance. However, their love will be put to the test when Wu Shin (Kevin Chang), the boy the writer was in love with, returns and tries to win him over.
The cast is completed with the performances of Hsiao Hung as Yao Shun Yu, and Parker Mao in the role of Xia Shang Zhou, protagonists of the Taiwanese BL drama 'You Are Mine', in which they embody these same characters.
The chef will also hallucinate with joy/madness when he discovers that Liu Li thanks Wu Shin for having inspired him to write two best-selling novels, and for teaching him to be brave and confess his love to the person he loves, and chooses him.
The love that unites Liu Li and Gu will surpass the arc of their lives and time, through the book written by the former and inspired by the latter and the romance they live.
Almost everything in 'VIP Only' could be on the verge of crossing the thin line of cheesy, or vulgar melodrama, but it is redeemed by the tenderness of its story, the truth of characters who support each other and manage to overcome difficulties while experiencing personal growth, the chemistry between the two protagonists and the interpretive flexibility of Stan Huang and Chen Xuan Yu.

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With the title "I'm sticking with my past because you are my future", the special episode of the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+ themed romantic drama series 'VIP Only Special' ( 保留席位 番外篇 / VIP Only Extra Episodes, Bao Liu Xi Wei Fan Wai Pian, Pao Liu Hsi Wei Fan Wai Pian) brings us return to Gu Jing, the handsome and attractive chef who owns a creative and retro restaurant, and Liu Li, the BL-themed novelist who rents a room upstairs from Gu's restaurant, to update the viewer on their romantic relationship.
On this occasion, the setting in which the characters develop will not be the meat noodle shop owned by Gu to which Liu Li goes every day to carry out his writing work, but rather a natural environment of rivers and mountains where the characters will go couples to enjoy a weekend.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, the episode will confirm that the author who uses the pseudonym Morris continues to write and publish best-selling romance novels based on his real-life experiences, having Gu and her tender and exciting love life are the main source of inspiration.
Directed by Lian Yu Zhe (Anti Reset, 2024), the episode, about 28 minutes long, gives us romantic interactions between Liu Li and Gu Jin, with tender and deep kisses added, which will delight lovers of the genre.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, the audiovisual delves into the relationship between the two boys who began to fall in love when Boss Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination at a time when he suffered from writer's block and found no inspiration after being rejected by his platonic love.
Without the usual beard and with a candy in his mouth, the Taiwanese actor Stan Huang, with his fiery look and charming smile, has the power to continue making the public fall in love. This time I find it much more attractive and fascinating.
With the growing chemistry between the two protagonists, the audiovisual allows us to appreciate how the two boys live in harmony and support each other, allowing them to overcome difficulties and experience personal growth.
I would like Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023) , continue releasing Special Episodes and new dramas of the genre.
The public will also be able to enjoy how the audiovisual returns to Yao Shun Yu (Hsiao Hung) and Xia Shang Zhou (Parker Mao), the protagonists of 'You are Mine', a Taiwanese drama of which we were also recently able to see a Special Episode.
Much more can still be extracted from 'VIP Only'. I would love to see, for example, a romantic relationship between Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi/"Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), as well as Gu's chance to convince Liu Li's parents to accept the marriage love relationship between the two boys "with the same attitude that you used with my parents", referring to the way in which the young novelist defends Gu from his abusive mother in the series and affirms that there is a loving bond between the two.

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Libraries are not only incredible places, dedicated to providing unique services, such as supporting training, research, teaching or the transformation of information into knowledge.
Between books, the constant hustle and bustle of users requesting various library services, this noble institution, with thousands of years of history, can be the perfect setting for two boys to meet again and fall in love.
Kang Woo, the director of the romantic drama 'Blossom Campus', knows this by locating in this academic and cultural environment the setting in which Yoon Chan (Choi Dong Ho), in his first foray in front of the cameras, and Kim Min Jae (Son Byeong Hoon), develop a romantic relationship.
Explicitly or implicitly, in his already suggestive work, the South Korean director stops to reflect the most secret, emotional and internal gears of youth, and offers, on this occasion, a series in which he once again portrays those microcosms to the that we all belong for the mere fact that at some point we have lived, are living or will live that period of a person's life that is between childhood and adulthood, to bring to light their most recognizable conflicts. It is that instant empathy that gives strength to his stories, sometimes silent, subtle and too calm, but with a lot of inner substance.
With backgrounds, symbolisms and homosensual and homoerotic imaginaries that seek to make the public react to their stories and provoke emotions, after writing and directing films such as 'Sweet Curse', 'Some More', 'I Don't Care', 'Secret Roommate' ', 'Dom' and 'Gay Out Soon 5: Free Dating', and the series 'Long Time No See', with 'Blossom Campus', filmmaker Kang Woo once again explores another recurring theme in his already extensive work: his vision of homosexuality from a personal point of view and through the years.
The result is a fun and tender audiovisual, very emotional and addictive, which puts all its weight on the faces of the attractive cast, especially the two protagonists with a captivating chemistry. It is, in short, everything that is as nice, happy and tender as a romantic, musical and youth comedy should be and that, without abandoning the spirit of the genre, has interesting dramatic readings.
The series, with an LGBTIQ+ theme, is a fresh story that vibrates while bringing to the table important themes such as self-discovery, innate vocation, dreams, friendship, love, acceptance, sexual awakening and the search for happiness and identity, seen through Min Jae, a transfer student from the Faculty of Music with a specialization in Applied Music at Hankook University, who on his first day at the new study center accidentally receives help from Yoon Chan, the clumsy and eloquent Taekwondo lover and student at the Faculty of Culture and Sports Arts.
Min Jae is a boy who has had to live his life alone, without family and in an environment of poverty. Since he does not want to appear pitiful to others, he has chosen to hide his inner sweetness. Armed with a shell, he tries to act tough and cold in front of others, until Yoon Chan appears in his path.
Audiences will like Min Jae's character for being a warm and shy person who will have several part-time jobs to support himself, such as being a barista or librarian at the university library. Here he will meet again with the star student who specializes in combat sports, who, in turn, does not know how to approach others and has never had friends. So when Min Jae approaches him first, he gets happy and will try to make him his friend.
Min Jae will react like a tsundere, and will initially have a distant, reserved and even hostile demeanor, but little by little he transforms into someone warm, sensitive and friendly towards the cool and tall young man who only shows feelings for Min Jae, while remaining cold towards others.
Min Jae has been curious about Yoon Chan since they met. He doesn't know what emotions and feelings overcome him every time he is in the presence of the lonely young man full of laughter and energy who doesn't care much about other people... except Min Jae.
The public will be able to enjoy the performance of Choi Dong Ho, an actor with a high capacity to transmit emotions, in a genuine and convincing way, who demonstrates with his performance that far from seeking grandiloquence, he immerses himself in his character with the simplicity that characterizes to those who understand that true art lies in authenticity.
The budding relationship between the two boys will be tested with the arrival of Jeong Woo Hyuk (Kim Yoon Sol), known for his participation in 'Man In The Shower', a new Applied Music student, who will also fall in love with Min Jae. Her character adds layers to the narrative and will keep the audience guessing about the evolution of the love triangle.
The series allows us to see how the actions and emotions of the characters change, all thanks to Yoon Chan's constant aegyo attack against Min Jae, causing fun and hilarious moments with his actions, in addition to the necessary reflection on the topics addressed. However, his own personality will trip up the young athlete, who will need the help of Min Jae's teacher, played by veteran actor Jo Yoo Seok, to be able to recognize his feelings and overcome fears and insecurities.
With realistic representations, the series will provoke the viewer to ask several questions, such as: What will happen when the music student who radiates a calm, meticulous and reflective demeanor, continually crosses paths with the taekwondoka with a strong personality, introverted and somewhat clumsy, but with endearing silliness that increases its charm? Will a chance encounter between them be enough to cause their paths to intertwine and, over time, their bond to deepen and blossom into a romantic relationship?
Although Min Jae thinks Yoon Cha is a very strange guy, for some reason he will still think about him. Their encounters multiply when Min Jae accepts the job as a librarian, which brings them closer together. Since their first stumble, the two have become entangled and closer, leading them to develop a romantic relationship.
The infatuation between Min Jae and Yoon Chan begins slowly; they circle close to each other but keep their distance, wanting to show indifference to disguise their interest. Yoon Chan ends up being much better at that game: he knows better than to stare for too long or too intensely. In contrast, Min Jae's furtive glances end up staying focused as if he is asking a question with his eyes.
In this Matchbox X Strongberry production, the lives of the two will meet, causing a definitive impact on them. The union will be revealing for both of them, who will begin to feel things that they cannot control.
"Although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally, feelings," said Kang Woo.
Those feelings are what he is looking for with the series. It is the emotions and feelings that are there, hidden, but on the surface, that the director wants to uncover with this story. A story of friendship and the discovery of sexuality, of homosexual love that, however, is far from anyone's prejudiced views.
In 'Blossom Campus' the characters discover that they attract each other, they fall in love, but there is no censorship on them. They both discover that they feel something else. Something they can't control. And that, in addition to being human, is beautiful. Because the first love, the real one, you only live once. Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, whether you are a musician or an athlete, whether you are empathetic and happy, or introverted and clumsy. And therein lies its value. That although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally. The feelings. We all feel. And no one is immune from that.
You don't just visualize Kang Woo's dramatizations, you absorb them. His films and series show us beautiful people with impeccable taste while they intensely live their days of adolescence and youth. Passion and drama put a stop to those lives, but what stands out most about his work is the palpable quality they have.
In the director's work, this passion and drama are expressed with words, silences, actions and music whose strength is increasing and also in the vibrant and visceral textures that surround the characters: the shelf full of books, the light and the shadow, the small table on which the university texts are placed, the computer on, the cafe where lovers meet or work part-time, the combat uniform worn by the athlete in a practice session, glimpses of the sweat...
The viewer will experience memorable scenes, such as the one on the roof, or when each person fixes the other's apron, as it is very suggestive, or when Min Jae, who has an instinct for self-defense, lets Yoon Chan into his house, and The barrier until that moment between the two is broken and he accepts it.
As the drama ends in suspense, there is the possibility of a second season, which we will wait to delve into the romance between two friends who have become so close that they cannot deny the love that unites them.
I cannot finish this review without reaffirming my commitment to fighting harassment and cyberbullying towards the artists involved in this project, as Strongberry also did at the time.

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As viewers, what can we ask of a Special Episode?

As viewers, what can we ask of a Special Episode?

We would ask precisely for the incredible closure that the cast and creators of 'You Are Mine Special' have given us.
This is the perfect ending to the 2023 Taiwanese drama 'You are Mine', as it delves deeper into the relationship between Yao Shun Yu (Hsiao Hung) and Xia Shang Zhou (Parker Mao).
And yet I ask for more of the love story between the director of the Xia company and the boy who becomes the company's new employee.
It is not surprising that it reaches a rating of 8.1 points on MDL and other platforms.
But this episode has the added bonus that, in addition to the audience being able to witness the evolution of this couple of lovers after the events narrated in the series, it has also served to give the possible beginning of the romance between Xiao Yang (Bobo Luo) and Li Hui Wang (Yorke Sun).
Surely we will see them as the main couple of some series in the near future, and I have no doubt that Hsiao Hung and Parker Mao would be there again in that case to play the characters that have summoned us here.

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An unrequited love

Kenneth (Andrei Desales), is trapped in a "friends with benefits" relationship with his friend Rayu (Jude Maquiling), in which he gives everything and gets nothing in return.
But chaos emerges after an unintentional mistake, and Kenneth must face the consequences of loving a boy who doesn't love him: like Icarus, Kenneth will have to pay the consequences of flying near the sun.
Directed by Angel Aguihap, the short film 'Icarus', produced by The Hillside Echo, is a bittersweet story of two college students involved in a one-sided homosexual relationship in which one gives everything, but the other is unable to return more than affection. superficial.
Premiered at the 10th FCU Duag Student Film Festival, the film, with an LGBT+ theme, won several awards, including Best Director, for Angel Aguihap; Best Set Design, for Nick Andrei Desales, who in turn won the award for Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor for Jude Maquiling, Best Photography and Best Poster for Joshua Solis.
This is a great short film because it has an excellent script and wonderful direction.
The film will make us reflect on the many dangers of sex without "conditions", especially in a long-term situation like that of the two protagonists. Within the framework of their unconventional relationship, Kenneth has developed feelings for Rayu, but it will not be reciprocated. Rayu has built a wall around himself that Kenneth will never be able to tear down.
With admirable performances, I was particularly impressed by the performance of the actor who plays the role of Kenneth. Her bitter crying, her pleading, her little hiccups of pain as she tried to express her feelings and emotions to Rayu, watching his tears flow freely, are heart-warming images. The viewer will feel compelled to hug him to provide comfort and protection.
It strikes me that the Bisaya language, also known as Cebuano, was used in this Filipino film, since in general I have enjoyed the use of Tagalog.

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Clear and strong message: the fight for LGBT+ rights in Taiwan has not stopped

Inspired by the "skirt week" controversy at Banqiao Municipal High School in Taiwan, where students fought for men's right to wear skirts in the student center, the short film 'Rose Skirt' (玫瑰色的裙), from 2021, tells how while the well-intentioned students carried out the exercise in a playful and boisterous manner, Xiao Yan, the only boy in the class who really has desires to crossdress, remains silent and hides his longing.
From Taiwanese writer, director and producer Angel I-Han Teng, 'Rose Skirt' is a queer coming-of-age short that depicts the ambiguity of growing gender consciousness in teenagers. Yan, the teenage protagonist of the story, faces his desire for feminine expressions while struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. Is it internalized homophobia? Is it homophobia? The truth is that he is afraid to admit his true self to everyone.
Starring Xiang-Dao ChenKey, Yi Rou Kao and Etsen Chen, the film continues the filmography of a filmmaker interested in addressing issues related to identity, gender, feminism and human rights with a subtle sensitivity.
These themes are addressed by the filmmaker since her first work as a screenwriter of 'Bao Bao' (親愛的卵男日記), from 2018, directed by Shie Guang Cheng, or 'The Fragrance of the First Flower', winner of the Gold Award in the GagaOOLala Pitching Sessions, and 'A Balloon's Landing'(我在這裡等你), from 2024, among other film pieces.
The short film addresses a conflict already seen before, but from a different angle. When society downplays the issue and affirms that a man, regardless of his sexuality, can wear women's clothing, they drown out the voices of those who really want to cross-dress.
In a subtle way, the filmmaker uses this conflict to weave a deeper and more delicate narrative. But what is striking is that the short film is set in Taiwan, the only territory in Asia where LGBT+ people have achieved some social and human rights achievements, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The filmmaker's message is that, despite what has been achieved, the members of this human group still suffer from misunderstandings and humiliations, which generate fears and insecurities. The objective of the film is clear and forceful: to point out that Taiwanese LGBT+ people must still continue the fight for full recognition of their human rights.

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Unlike audiovisuals from other latitudes in which the acting couple rarely meets again in another program in the same role, Thai BL series usually pair the actors, especially when there is chemistry and they are popular with the public.
This is the case of Jumpol Adulkittiporn (Off) and Atthaphan Poonsawas (Gun). With the formation of OffGun, both have participated in numerous projects, from the first of them in 'Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey' (2016) and 'Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2' (2017), 'Theory of love' ( 2019) and the critically and fan-acclaimed 'Not Me' (2021), and in the special anthology of couples boys love titled 'Our Skyy', from 2018.
With the drama 'Cooking Crush', of the romantic comedy, food and BL genre, released in November 2023 on the GMM25 network, the two reappear. Like good wine, both actors, now 33 and 30 years old, respectively, underpin their artistic talent and consolidate themselves as ships within the BL universe.
The series reminds me of one of the most famous romantic comedies in history, 'Pretty Woman', from 1990 and directed by the American Garry Marshall. In it, the protagonist (Richard Gere) hires a prostitute (Julia Roberts) to accompany him for a few days, and they end up loving each other.
In 'Cooking Crush' the characters also come from two different social strata: Ten (Off), a rich medical student, hires Prem (Gun), a humble cooking student, to teach him how to prepare exquisite food dishes.
Prem dreams of becoming a chef who revolutionizes the culinary art. Determined to compete in a reality show that will choose the best chef in the nation, he must improve his culinary skills. That is the reason why he accepts Ten's proposal. Prem uses this as an opportunity to make money. The clash between both worlds will end up causing both of them to end up deeply in love.
A skilful script written by Pong Pattarawalai Wongsinwises, Noolek Sureechay Kaewses, M Rittikrai Kanjanawiphu and an effective staging, in addition to the good work of the two protagonists, allows us to find ourselves before a sentimental and romantic comedy with a lot of fairy tale and little of everyday reality.
The main characters add depth and emotion to the plot. The series promises a mix of touching moments and immersive drama, as both boys navigate between Ten's causes of stress and Prem's desire to overcome challenges.
The Thai setting adds a unique cultural backdrop to the seductive love story between medical consultation rooms and kitchens, offering viewers a captivating journey through the complexities of discovering sexuality and romance. While the information provided provides insight into the series, watching it will certainly offer a more complete and immersive experience.
'Cooking Crush' stands out with its tone of sentimental and romantic comedy and a talented cast, also composed of Pakin Kunaanuwit (Mark) as Dynamite, and Jaruwat Cheawaram (Dome) as Samsi. These two, along with Prem, will make a trio of friends. It also features Trai Nimtawat (Neo) as Fire and Warawut Poyim (Tum) as Metha, who make up the other friendly shortlist.
The members of these groups, who are not united by anything at the beginning, will not only find love in each other's members, but also strong ties of friendship and companionship. Together they will contribute humor to the program.
Rounding out the cast are Chatchawit Techarukpong (Victor) as Changma, Bhasidi Petchsutee (Lookjun) as Jane, Sukhapat Lohwacharin (Suam) as Bun, Pimwalee Phunsawat (Pim) as Paeng, and Lapisara Intarasut (Apple).
The trust in the ability of each of the members of the main couple in the other, and the way in which they promote each other, is striking. An example of this can be seen in the fact that Ten does not believe he has what it takes to succeed as a doctor and Prem encourages him. Prem, for his part, operates in a very competitive world such as culinary art, and if he has any doubt or circumstance, Ten supports him. Ten's love for Prem's cooking is what finally convinces him to sign up for Super Monster Chef.
Without being the best in the filmography of this acting duo, 'Cooking Crush' is a visual delight and fulfills its purpose as a romantic comedy, showing Off and Gun's undeniable chemistry while Ten and Prem flirt adorably in every interaction. . Theirs is a charming, beautiful, fun, natural and wonderful couple.
Although dynamite is so stable that generally new dynamite cartridges in good condition do not explode even if exposed to fire, Dynamite will not need a detonator and detonator to explode as soon as he meets Fire and encourages a fun game of cat between the two. and the mouse with a slight and subtle harassment on the part of the former at the beginning of the plot.
Without a doubt, 'Cooking Crush' is guaranteed to be popular for various reasons. The breadth of social media, such as YouTube and others, allows more people to connect with this and other BL series. The Western mentality is today much more open to viewing (without prejudice or hatred) content that is part of the LGTBIQ+ community. And finally, a growing need for the viewer to have the possibility that all sexual diversities can be expressed through the artistic formats within their reach.
Just as 'Cooking Crush' is another successful Thai BL by being a media product with an undeniable communication effect, we, as viewers, must be able to appreciate the content without ignoring its hidden meaning.
However, I must add the following criticism: throughout the history of film and television, homosexuals have been portrayed in a stereotypical way or in roles of ruthless killers, disturbed suicides, caricatures of human beings. On many occasions their effeminacy was exaggerated so that an audience could distinguish the gay characters without words. In this way, the audience could easily identify them as homosexuals because they reflected the clichés that still existed in society towards them. These consisted of portraying them as extremely mannered, prim characters, with thin mustaches and often grotesquely made up. In addition to repudiating this “perverted behavior,” filmmakers and television channels or film companies seek to provoke laughter in the viewer, since in comparison to them, men could feel more masculine and women more feminine.
This has been the case since the short film 'Lot in Sodom', by James Sibley Watson and Melville Webber, produced in 1933, which treated homosexuals as depraved sex-hungry satyrs. A film like 'Brokeback Mountain', by Ang Lee, from 2005, had to arrive, already in the 21st century, to present homosexuals to the general public as "common" men, with traditionally masculine appearance and without any type of pathology. that justified the presence of the character himself in the film.
This situation has been gradually transforming to the present day in which the major film and television production companies, especially European ones, pioneers in this subject, make films and series aimed almost exclusively at the LGBTIQ+ audience, showing more realistic characters and settings, films that are shown in commercial theaters or in the numerous film festivals on this theme that are held on all continents, or series broadcast on television channels in much of the world.
Although these current audiovisuals show how difficult it is to “come out of the closet” and project to the viewer the reality in which homosexuals find themselves, series like 'Cooking Crush' do not escape from reveling in stereotyping queer characters. Thus we see how Prem's three fellow students and also participants in the culinary contest, only with competitive, malicious objectives, are able to constantly harass and mock another member of that human collective.

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A poorly “parked” relationship on the race track

Cinema and television, like all art that reflects the society in which they develop, have shown the trafficking of children through notable films, documentaries and television series. Numerous films and television programs expose this illegal practice and many of them are based and inspired by real-life cases.
Asian dramas are committed to bringing all genres to the public, including those in which their protagonists have a romantic bond combined with supernatural powers.
Has the fact that Thailand is a point of origin, destination and transit of human trafficking aroused the interest of Nopachai Jayanama (Peter), as director, and Kanokphan Ornrattanasakul and Issaraporn Kuntisuk, as scriptwriters, to tell us in 'Pit Babe' a story that mixes homosexual romance, sport, intrigue, action, human trafficking, fantasy and supernatural powers?
This drama, an adaptation of the web novel by _alittlebitch, winks at Thai reality: the value of child victims of human trafficking does not lie in using them as sexual slaves, in forced labor or to extract their organs for commercialization, but in possessing special powers.
Are we facing a social drama of denunciation of human commerce? I would like this to be its purpose, but consistent with its BL condition, 'Pit Babe' will enhance the romance. This arises between Babe (Naret Promphaophan-Pavel), the king of the racetrack, and Charlie (Krittin Kitjaruwannakul-Pooh), his supporter.
Will the series have a hidden message? How many of Tony's “sons” among the superpowered children are gay men today? Babe, Charlie, Jeff, Kenta, Pete, Way...? That is, the main characters with powers who were raised-educated by the person dedicated to human trafficking ended up being homosexuals. Is there a hidden message in this, simple coincidence or something of “destiny”?
Babe is a very popular racing driver and admired by everyone. His achievements in the sport have led him to be considered number one. Among his followers is Charlie, a young man who wants to be a racing driver like him. However, he does not have the money or the contacts necessary to achieve it. Therefore, he looks for an opportunity to get closer to the leader of X Hunter. When he succeeds, he asks for your help and to lend him a car so he can materialize his aspirations. The only solution he can think of is to reach a strange agreement with Babe. Against logic, he agrees to help Charlie realize his dream.
On this journey, will Babe be able to win Charlie's heart? Will he lose the race he most wants to win this time? Will Charlie be the one interested in captivating the racing driver? Will the relationship that began as a game triumphantly cross the finish line to become a real romance?
The most notable thing about the series is its exciting scenes and the attractiveness of the actors.
There is a secondary couple, made up of Alan and Jeff.
The cast also includes Supanut Lourhaphanich (Nut), as Way; Obrnithi Leelavetchabutr (Ping), as Pete; Natthapong Pathong (Benz), as Kim; Asre Wattanayakul (Lee), as Dean; Hemmawich Khwanamphaiphan (Sailub), as Alan; Thanapon Aiemkumchai (Pon), as Jeff; Michael Kiettisak (Michael), as North; Pataraphol Wanlopsiri (Pop), as Winner; Pantach Kankham (Garfield), as Kenta; Supakorn Saokhor (TopTen), as Sonic; and Vorarit Vaijairanai (S), as Tony
The chemistry between the protagonists and the bed scenes fail to lift a series whose characters are unrealistic and undeveloped. Pavel and Pooh have charisma and are attractive, but the script does not help their relationship connect with the viewer.
I must clarify that it is not that I find being 'passive' degrading. It's not that I assume that, in a relationship between two men, there is a "superiority" on the part of the one who is 'active' compared to the other who is 'passive', but the abrupt change in Babe's personality seems inconceivable to me. . This transformation comes at the same time as the loss of his powers, at the hands of Charlie.
Babe abandons his well-crafted playboy image for years. In all his previous relationships he played the role of seme or asset. In the words of the BL series themselves, he was, of the two, “the one on top.” He began his relationship with Charle by assuming this role in bed. Suddenly, without a convincing explanation, Babe becomes Charlie's uke. Babe swaps to play the role of the “bottom.” So, you would have to ask yourself: Did the loss of his precious powers lead him to be the passive one in their relationship? Didn't this move cause a loss in his character's potential?
Despite being in front of the cameras practically all the time, the actor who plays Charlie fails to connect with me emotionally. They are not facilitating emotions, but hindering emotions that are transmitted to me by a character who fails to sensitize me. By not feeling or understanding Charlie's emotions and feelings, I cannot essentially grasp whether it is love or just sex that drives him. Only his acting stands out in the sex scenes. Note that I do not say “when making love.”
The transformation of the character played by Nut, already in the final moments, is not logical either. About an obvious thing, the incurable remorse that must have accompanied Way throughout much of his life for betraying Babe for years, causing the rift between him and the man he loves, as well as many, if not all, of the problems that have hit to the positive characters by being infiltrated into their ranks, Way's evolution from evil to purity, from darkness to light is narratively constructed, sustained by the effort to achieve the viewer's identification with the traitor. It is necessary to save it, the creators thought.
Way drinks with Pete because “he wants to make the situation better.” He doesn't know “what to do next.” He does not know if “what I have always believed is the right thing.” He asks Pete why he decided to leave Dad, and Pete tells him, “Because the truth is not what I thought… I decided to leave to end the vicious cycle that Dad had created.” And he tells her that she still has the chance to choose what she wants to do. Way has been asked to show the despondency caused by guilt. Way has had the option all his life to choose the right path, but he has decided to be by Tony's side, even knowing what this means. But suddenly, some words from Pete whispered in his ear between sips of liquor and a few pats on the back invite him to “do the right thing.” And this would not be a problem if they had gotten rid of the rampant schematism in the character design and the all-too-evident desire to redeem him.
A story that fails to convince, clumsily designed characters, characters lacking development and therefore generating empathy, limitations in the explanation of the characters' decision making, poverty in the development of events and irregularities regarding changes of personality, are several of the main characteristics of the drama.
Peter throws together a few tropes and too many clichés. With fewer ambitions and fewer plot holes, perhaps the series would have become a full-throttle, full-speed car swallowing up the race track.

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