Escritor Adorável (2021)

An insightful look at the BL industry that unfortunately doesn't live up to expectations

NO-SPOILER REVIEW

This series is a refreshing meta take on the drama industry that isn't afraid to tackle problematic aspects of the entire BL genre. I really really wanted to like this series more but unfortunately, while it starts out with a great premise, the actual storytelling and execution suffers from many issues.

Pros
- A unique and refreshing premise for a BL series that tries to break problematic tropes and offer a wider variety of characters.
- A good example of a BL series showing working adults instead of the same old school-based setting.
- A good example of a BL series showing more diverse characters - a strong female character and a comparatively more gentle male character who are both portrayed in positive ways, parents/families with diverse sexualities, etc.
- A talented cast with decent chemistry

Cons
- Several plot points felt somewhat arbitrary and overly convenient, including ties between certain characters. Most things that took place in flashbacks actually didn't really add to the story and were actually a big detractor for me. The same story could have been told without the forced backstory.
- Some characters lacked depth and at times seemed to be hollow caricatures based on single motivations. It was hard to identify with them or feel that they were actual people.
- The pacing at some parts was excruciatingly slow. Certain scenes just dragged on and on. I'm not sure if they were just looking to fill time, but scenes that should have been emotional and impactful just ended up feeling downright boring because they were being dragged out so much.

Overall
- While a lot of fans seem to really like this series for tackling some of the BL genre's biggest issues, this series itself unfortunately suffers from its own issues on the production, script, and story side that made it less enjoyable than I had been hoping for.

Leia Mais

This is so much more than it seems

At first, I was not sure if I should watch this series because I am kinda bored from Thai BL. The shows are so similar.

Yes, the actors are cute and if I want to watch something sweet as candy, they are first choice. But for me, most of them lack a deeper meaning (although there are exeptions like "I told sunset about you").

The trailer did not catch me that much, but because I like Kao from UWMA, I was willing to give it a try.
And I am not disappointed! What seems to be another lovey-dovey BL really has more to it: criticism about the whole BL-Industry - finally! Do not get me wrong, I am a BL-fan. But there are people in the fandom who do not get, that this is ACTING, and the purpose of this is to make money. I do hope that some of the hardcore shippers our there get the point that these are characters, playedby actors. And I hope this will be a topic throughout the whole show.

Another thing I like is the "playing with the stereotypes" within the BL world. Do not judge a book by its cover, looking cute does not make someone a bottom or vice versa. And again, I think this is an important message regarding the real LGBT community. I do not mean that this show is a portrait, because as I said before, this is a show. But it bothers me so often, that the "cute little Baby" is supposed to be the bottom and the "manly Badass" the top. That's not how it works. Just aswell as the "the bottom is the wife and the top is the husband" idea. Gay couples are still both men (as I am within the BL topic, I only talk about men but feel free to transfer this thought to any other queer couple) and noone exept for those people within the relationship should be allowed to label any of the partners.

Of course, Kao and Up are cute as hell, but again, consent is antoher topic *yippie*! Not taking advantage of drunk people, asking "Are you sure / is this ok?".

And hallelujah, there is a straight couple and a bike-riding woman! This show breaks with so many stereotypes, therefor it is absolutely worth watching. I hope they keep this up for the rest of the show.

Leia Mais

Not your usual TOXIC BL

Story about a Yaoi writer and BL actor...

Groundbreaking BL that clapsback at all the stupid traditions and clichès of usual BLs, teaches how toxicity shouldn't be there in a relationship, rather giving and asking consent is more beautiful. Is a brilliant example of a BL that disses all the common BL stereotypes of 'I'm not gay, but I love him' and exposes some of the facts on how the people in BL industry take advantage of their actors to make money even if it is basically ruining them.

After watching so many BLs, I've understood that I used to support the toxicity of characters, forced kisses, useless jealous scenes glorifying them as 'ROMANTIC'. This BL opened my eyes on so much more than that.
The actors have done so well. Hats off to Kao and Up, they beautifully played the roles of Nubsib and Gene. Even the second lead, Aey, a grey character, can't be loved nor hated, Bruce was brilliant in his portrayal of this character. Every other side characters were adorable and understanding.

Expect surprises and twists and extremely cute scenes. But mostly harsh reality of BL entertainment circle. Shipping and Fan services are basically exposed in here. The BL openly states that shipping is fine as long as you don't indulge in those actors' private lives, coz thats none of your damn business!!!

Refreshing to see leads who are mature beyond years, communicating well to solve and overcoming problems together. This story and the couple has set standards of BLs so high. Also the ending, it was hilarious and unexpected. Afterall every story/drama is just a part of fiction and fantasy. The actors do their job and leave , but its upto us viewers on how we want the ending to be...

P.S. If you are a stupid fangirl/boy, a fujoshi, part of any toxic fandom or better, a freaking 'Sasaeng' who takes it into their hands with the famous 'Cancel Culture' and disrespecting idols/actors' private lives and feelings, Remember, this BL will ask you to 'GET A LIFE & LEARN YOUR BOUNDARIES'!

Leia Mais

Missed the mark and could've been greater drama talking about real issues

I've written a review back when this drama started and made some points. And now this is the edit.

Right, so I have only one episode till I finish this series, but I think after watching this for the past few months, I think I'll be able to give an opinion. As you can see my ratings have gone lower than they were before. Listen, the drama started "strong", the story seemed interesting. And yes, I still think that it had some great production, the actors were amazing, and I still think that the points I've made before are still relevant. The thing with series is that it got boring half way trough. Perhaps is that it became more and more predictable, the kisses did not help, empty discussions, the lack of communication brings more unnecessary drama and those "hot" scenes did not save the series. I felt like I was trying to see what the author was imagining in his/her head- the character Gene. The actor is amazing and did amazingly while bringing his character to life, but it was weird. I feel like everything we saw was just an imagination of Gene in his own head, while trying to write another novel. Gene was inserting himself into the story and just to get the man of his dreams. Very confusing and they did not deliver it properly. Maybe it's me. Other thing is that Sib as a character had only one purpose- to get what he wants- Gene. Other than being a hot guy and going after Gene, there was no character development.
-Gene is like a very fragile uke who needs protections and guidance 24/7. On the other hand, Sib is the opposite- strong and dominant seme who is ready to save and protect Gene every time . He teleports every time the drama calls for it.
The Tiffy and Tum "couple"- boring. No development, no purpose whatsoever. Interesting beginning and then became tiresome. The other characters were alright.
The effects were not bothering me in the first couple of episodes, and I thought that they help the character just so it can be more expressive. And they became annoying. I had to turn off the sound and read the subs.
To end this, all I can say is that this could've been a great drama where its discussed about important things but sadly it missed that mark. At this point I don't even need to watch the last episode, because even without it, I can basically predict how it ends- just like a normal romance drama.

~These are the notes I took while I watched the first few episodes of the drama and what I thought it would be discussed~

==== THESE ARE SOME NOTES THAT I TOOK WHILE WATCHING THE AIRED EPISODES====

~ the actors side: usually they don't have feelings for each other and they do their work
~ some of the actors might start to have a feeling for the other during the series shooting, and it might be hard on them to move on after everything is done
~ some might start to develop feelings for the author of someone of the team, regardless, they already know that they cant be together because of the toxic fans
~ the fans: some might be just loving the characters and ship them all the way and be aware that they aren't real and it's all fictional, they know how to separate the film from the reality, the character and the actor,
and then , we have the TOXIC ones who doesn't understand that what they are seeing is fake and it's all made up and written beforehand, they tend to ship the couple even after the series is done and the actors have moved on, it's hard to support the actors when they are paired with new partner( love by chance pete(actor name saint) -- ae ~ why are you: tutor(actor name saint)-- fighter) and then the new series might not have the desired ranking, and they definitely won't let their fave have a love life or some privacy when it comes to that because they think they are the one for them. It's just toxic and ugly.

Leia Mais

Unsatisfactory Ending

I was enjoying this drama, other than the uncomfortable scenes with the child actors. The age difference is really noticeable when it's 16 and 10. Then the last episode was disjointed. No satisfactory ending for Aoey or Mork. There were lots of cute moments between Gene and Sib in the last 30 minutes, but still some loose ends. Then, after THE END, the afterward scene makes it so that everything that we witnessed was just the author writing the novel. It felt awkward and unsatisfying. Kao and Up have great chemistry and really sold the couple. I loved the insider looks at the industry. Especially, the look at how harmful shipping culture can be when taken too far. It was an enjoyable drama but they didn't stick the landing.

Leia Mais

Very refreshing concept among Thai BLs

Already in the first episode, they tackle some of the major issues in the Thai BL industry such as:

- Someone's sexuality doesn't determine someone's talent in acting.
- Sexual harassment in BL should not be ignored and consent is important.
- BL actors are not there to fulfill your fantasies, they are here to do their jobs as actors.
- How shipping and harassing actors could really affect their life off camera (this is more on the general plot).

In concept this is a great storyline, because I feel like this is definitely the wake up call BL fans are in need of; as some have done too much damage in hurting the actors and also hurting both the BL community and LGBTQ+ community. I hope that the series will keep up with spreading awareness while also giving enough time to the main characters' to have development in their relationship. I'm gonna admit, so far the acting isn't extremely impressive - it's very much average and plain between the leads but I can't give a proper rating on this since I'm writing this having only watched the first episode. I will be keeping up with this as I have high hopes on this series.

Leia Mais

One of the best...

So I was really excited to watch this BL coz of all the amazing reviews that I had read and because I had just finished Until We Meet Again which also starred Noppakao as Korn. He didn’t really have a huge role there so I was really happy to see him have more screen time in Lovely Writer.

My favourite part is definitely the story line and the buildup between Gene and Sib. The chemistry between them right front he first episode is palpable and you’re so into it, you don’t wanna stop (also they’re so cute!!!) And the way Sib is just so soft with only Gene is just ASDFGHHJKLASKJFNDLGKJSFG!!!!!!!!! But obviously asking for a simple love story is too much and there has to be a rival which brings me to Aoey.

Aoey is in Sib’s university and also his romantic interest in the series that they’re shooting: Bad Engineer. Initially, I thought he had a thing for Sib and that’s why he constantly tries to drive a wedge between them but noooo! He liked Gene and that’s why he wanted to be in the show (same reason as Sib.) Now you wanna hate this guy but you literally can’t coz he’s always so miserable and everyone leaves him except for Mhok. His treatment of Mhok is the major reason I disliked Aoey,

And the end, don’t even get me started- The writer actually appears and it’s the best fucking thing.

Overall, it’s an amazing show with some of the best MC’s I’ve come across.

Leia Mais

A stand-alone masterpiece !!!

This drama as a whole turned out to be one of the best dramas I have ever seen till date. I accidentally stumbled across a SNS post which made me watch trailer as it looked different bcoz it would be a story between a Y-novel writer and and actor who is lead in his novel turned as series, since then I waited for it. When it started I thought its a cliché like any other rom-com but I was wrong this series turned into a standalone. Nubsib-Gene relationship is one of the purest and most non-toxic thing I have ever seen. Actors Kao(Nubsib) and Up(Gene) did a terrific job. Especially Up damn he is the cutest being on earth.Also through this drama it highlights love is not about forcing some one but respecting their individuality. Most of the rom-coms whether BL or non BLs often skip this and also induced force kisses and something make out but this asks how important consent is while doing things. The drama also highlights opening about sexuality, how worse the toxic fanbase are, along with highlighting the hurdles faced in entertaining industry. Unlike other dramas which sell a half baked stories with just cheesy liners and NC scenes this has a perfect storyline which makes you understand whats exactly happening with the industry, actors, writer's and fanbase. The drama is much more lovable bcoz of the the three beautiful OSTs which I totally love and the background score which is the best one ane perfectly syncs with scenes in all BL romance dramas I have ever seen. If you want to watch a unique, refreshing, impactful drama you should definitely watch this. It is a gem which can be never missed. Now Im rewatching it again bcoz I already started missing it. Hoping you wouldn't miss this one

Leia Mais

Enemies to lovers + cohabitation + long term pining

Lovely Writer is about a BL writer who is dragged onto the set and casting of his first BL series. The lead actor of the series starts flirting with him and they fall in love. The chemistry was great and the acting solid. It launched as a fun show, light hearted for all it poked at the BL industry. What it did beautifully (like Oxygen) was correct for some of BL’s fatal flaws. There were no consent issues, cutout characters, or gay for you. Even the family coming out sequence was honest and fairly dealt with. Yet it still managed to hit most of the Thai BL tropes I have come to expect and even a few yaoi ones I love.

Simultaneously the series confronted issues within the BL industry: depictions of non-consent; catering to market pressure; forcing actors to performatively flirt and hide existing relationships; product placement; fan obsession and stalker behavior; and the complacency of studios, agents, and directors.

It ended up being one of my favorites of 2021 (only the finale was a bit drawn out for my tastes) but it suffered from one fatal flaw - egregious sound effects, overused and CONSTANTLY applied cartoon noises particularly in the first half. The sound tech should have been canned after Episode 1. I found it so distracting I docked a whole point for it. Still this was one of the best BLs from Thailand in 2021.

Leia Mais

Started off well and quickly went downhill to the point of being BORING!

Well it was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2021 and it did start off really well but it somehow just slipped down the slope, real quick!

Well the overall concept was to pick out toxic fan-girling and exposing the reality of the BL industry, the producer seemed to pick out the easiest and most obvious issues and just simply decided to not uncover actual darker secrets. And as the producers were trying to portray the ills of the shipping culture, I was sincerely hoping for a much more realistic portrayal of a gay couple than a fantasy BL couple, but all it did was just the LATTER! I mean an industry making off really good money shipping straight male guys, it's high time Thailand use the opportunity to portray more mature, realistic and believable GAY portrayal. The couple really lacked character development!

Well many of you might disagree by arguing by saying how it showed the coming out scene realistically, I would say it absolutely did not! The intense ultra dramatic scene at the dinner table and then everyone being SUPER nice the next day, totally ruined it. I mean no my dear, reality is not that nice! People don't change overnight! The parents should have had dragged the reluctance for a little while at least, you may say one must portray positive and empathetic attitude, but just overnight transformation with little confrontation and absolutely no portrayal of struggles or issues of the leads, totally nullifies the moment. It actually puts an actual LGBT person in a false notion and risk themselves being outed or kicked out by their families, by living in false dilemma without understanding the circumstances. I mean they should live a life without hiding and fear, but not showing struggles and setbacks and expecting someone to just empathize with something to which there is a lot of stigma already attached, it doesn't really go hand in hand.

The chemistry of the couple degraded more and more as the story progresses! I dunno somehow with majority of the thai BL this is always the case, it is all steamy and attractive in the beginning and the moment they actually get together, it just becomes non existent! And yes the childhood connection! I am already bored the Kdrama trope of childhood connections, and here it gets all the way worse, the seriously unnecessary addition with a totally unacceptable age gap!

The only person I could praise in the entire show was Aeoy! Haters can attack, but he was actually one person in the entire show who actually looked like a real human. He showed all emotions that an actual person feels and how one's past affects a person's current state of mind. Even Mork! His affection and yearning felt real. I was really disappointed that the director decided to just ditch them in the end and just show Aoey in the negative light. And yes, the twist in Aoey'e affection from Nubsib to Gene just to garner audience shock was totally stupid and unbelievable!

The story had great potential but failed to pull the strings! I'm sorry!
Thank you!

Leia Mais