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Close to a masterpiece, this is the LGBTQ+ community making up for lost time
"This is a love story I wish the world were kind enough to afford us when we were younger. And to those younger than us, believe: this is a love story you deserve now." I remember reading this line from the series creator Juan Miguel Severo's foreword in the wattpad version of Gaya sa Pelikula, which was written earlier this year, and how it pulled a string in my heart. I finished it all and was captivated by his ability to tell stories that immerses you so well. Now that it's here, no doubt, Gaya Sa Pelikula as a web series is just as magical and captivating.Gaya Sa Pelikula has quite a simple story: two strangers placed in a situation where they would be living together and eventually falling for each other in a slowburn fashion. A BL with a simple story usually wouldn't be a hit, but the magic of Gaya sa Pelikula is on how they turned this simple story in a television masterpiece.
I would like to start with the casting, because oh my God- whoever casted them, from the PangPangs to Justine, Yesh, and to the ever amazing Adrienne Vergara, you deserve a raise. I'm more amazed by the fact that this is the first on-screen acting of Ian and Pao, and so far they're delivering so well. Ian's acting shows that he's already at par with the veterans (he's a theater actor so I really had no doubts about it). And Pao, I know his only acting experience was just for commercials, but being a first time actor on screen, his acting is severely underrated. The way he portrays Karl makes it so raw and real, that I immediately saw myself in his character.
The production of Gaya sa Pelikula is very highly commendable, from the set to the series soundtrack (don't even get me started on this, I believe GSP really made an impact in boosting our severely underrated filipino artists), it really created what Gaya Sa Pelikula is now. The direction is also superb and no doubt it would be because it's JP Habac (who's also the director of Im Drunk, I Love You, one of my faves). But what really made this series magical was the nuances of it all- the small details in the lines, in the acting, in the background, in the thematic elements of the show. It gave the simple story line so much depth and complexity. The simple glances from Karl and Vlad conveyed emotions and lines they never spoke of. The adlibs of Paolo. The comedic switch-up of gifts (that can easily be missed if you're not paying attention). The violin strings playing during Nica del Rosario's Tahanan in Vlad's dancing scene. The color of the shirts they're wearing. The subtle social commentaries. The simple nods to classic Filipino movies. I'm just speechless.
Gaya sa Pelikula, more than anything, has this original Filipino cinematic charm that sets it apart from the rest of Filipino BLs of this era. As a boy growing up with all these straight filipino romcoms, it really made me emotional to see two men falling in love just like how Daniel and Kathryn or Marvin and Jolina (for the older generations, hehe) would in the movies. As cliche as some of the "kilig" scenes would be, Gaya sa Pelikula does it so well that it doesn't feel cliche anymore, and just electrifies you like it was the first time you see this kind of chemistry on screen.
We're still halfway through the series and I'll update this review every now and then but I'm already declaring this for now: it may not be the BL that paved the way, but Gaya sa Pelikula is the gold standard BL in most if not all aspects (production, direction, cast, storytelling, writing) that has the potential to outcompete everyone, in both straight and queer media. This is what the community wished to have seen when they were growing up with all the straight romcom content in the television and movies. This is the LGBTQ+ community now making up for lost time.
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Do not pass on this series!
Another excellent product from the Philippine BL industry. I can't find anything to dislike about this series other than the episodes are too short and there aren't enough of them. I don't know where it will end but I'm ready for a sequel. It's that good. Even though the sets, the costumes, the props, the music , the cast, the acting are all top notch. I just have to single out the music which so perfectly moves the story along. The two leads capture you and hold you close. They draw you to them. You relate to the character; the sad, rejected and lonely one and the confused, unsure and insecure other. You immediately identify with the brave front they put on. You want to reach out and comfort each of them.If the brown out / prom dance sequence doesn't bring tears to your eyes you are made of stone.
Ian's "Vlad" is perfectly played. You sympathize but not pity. Paolo's "Karl" reminds us all of our times lacking confidence. Both of these men are going to make serious waves in the acting community going forward. If I had to pick just one to kidnap and take to a mountain retreat someplace it would have been Paolo. As good as Ian is, and he is very good, Paolo resonated with me the most.
Watch and enjoy.
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by the LGBTQ+ community for the community
and that is the reason this series is so good. Don't get me wrong, you can still watch this series even if you do not identify as part of the LGBTQ community. But for once, we are the target audience. This isn't your regular BL who's primary audience are heterosexual females. The reason why this series is so good is because it focuses on the issues within the LGBTQ+ community.Story wise: 10/10
Although it uses a cliche plot of pretend boyfriends, it was executed very well. The relationship between karl and vlad felt very natural and genuine. It's a coming of age story that focuses on both MC and how they influence each other's as they figure out adulthood. It also deals with figuring one's sexuality and the difficulties of coming out.
There are many dialogue referenced back throughout the story and you have to pay attention to even the slightest detail. They tend to drop some dialogue and that sets up for scenes later on when you make the connection "ohh so the dialogue in the earlier was setting up for this scene". That's good writing there. everything is connected, every little action and detail.
All the characters introduced are all fleshed out. They are as if real people, very relatable. They drip feed you little information at a time. None of them were used as a plot device, each character has their flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths and potential.
Acting: 9/10
Really good acting. As mentioned above, great chemistry between the two MC. everything is natural smooth and enjoyable. Even the supporting characters are all LOVEABLE. literally I disliked no one in this series, there's no villain, no jealous ex-gf, etc. The actor who played Karl is really good with showing his emotions. I was really amazed by his emotion portrayal. Sometimes, some acting are over the top and there's a reason for that. My favorite character has to be Anna, just because she's amazing, supportive, has flaws and insecurities of her own, and has a backstory.
Music: 9.5
The OST in this series is amazing. Literally one of the best. Music plays at the right time and it hits the feels.
rewatch value: 10/10
Definitely has high rewatch value, just because of all the little details you might miss the first time watching. Also the ending is open ended, and I'm writing this after only watching it for a go. I'm definitely going to re-watch the ending to catch anything I might've missed. The story doesn't feed you information, you have to make those connections yourself.
Overall: 10/10
Simply the best PH BL series. The series showed consent, the harmful stigmatization of the LGBTQ community and the microaggressions/stereotype. Vlad was very well spoken and I was very impressed and shocked at the same time to see a him point out these issues due to your usual Thai Bl for enforcing some stereotypes. Which is why I said at the beginning that this series was made by a member of the community for the community.
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Poetic, funny, romantic, and an eye opener for all types of people!
I came across this series after watching countless BL series mostly from other countries, and a few local ones like Gameboys, Hello Stranger, few others. By far, this one is the best Filipino BL series. I love how the writer tackled a lot of social issues, stigma towards LGBTQ types of relationships.The main leads had undeniable chemistry. Considering it's "Karls" first lead role, he did quite well. Vlad was superb, a natural. The rest of the characters were not props to the series. You would love their characters and appreciate why they acted the way they do in the series.
This is my second review here, I only visit here mostly to check reviews whenever I plan to watch a new series. I took time to write this review, because this series deserved it.
If you are still thinking twice if it's worth watching, do yourself a favor, watch it now!
Beautiful soundtrack as well!
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It's time to take back our story!
This indeed took back our story. As someone who's not yet out to his family, I understand Karl's fears and confusions. Accepting you own identity and coming out is a journey. Given that the world, though it is more tolerating now, is still far from being safe and accepting to our community. Come out only when you're ready and no one has the right to drag you out of the closet.As someone who has been denied by his lover, I also understand Vlad's pain. It's just so tiring to be in a secret relationship, especially when you hear your lover introduced you only as a "friend". Like Vlad, we also want to experience to love freely. Outside. Without fears.
The story really hits home.
If you can't relate to either one of them, are you really gay?
My only complaint is the fact it runs only for more or less than 30 mins per episode. It deserves more!
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MY TOP BL SERIES OF 2020!!!!
I swear if you haven't watched this series, go and do yourself a favor and watch it now. Gaya sa Pelikula is like no other, it teaches and unfolds the story of people in the LGBTQIA+ commnunity in a very realistic screenplay. And also, the actors are SUPERB 💯 in portraying their characters like they fit perfectly for the roles (can I just say Pangpangs toptier chemistry in the series ugh!*chef's kiss* Just like what ate Judit said and I quote "YOU ARE VALID" guyss we are all valid. May laban pa sa labas ng palabas! Patuloy tayong lumaban para sa kalayaan at karapatang pantao ng bawat isa.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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Sweet, realistic drama that might show you some of the hardships of being gay
Finally, we get some great insights about what being gay feels like The main actors are so good, it's like they're not even acting. The secondary characters are quite interesting. I really liked Victor's sister, Judit (with no h!). She's more complex than she initially seems, and although some people found her ''annoying'' I actually understood where she was coming from. The actress who potrayed her (Adrienne Vergara) was really awesome, I think she's got great acting skills. Every actor was quite skillful, they felt real and I could relate to them. Honestly, if you like BL or even just love stories or dramas in general, you gotta watch this!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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This should be a must watch
Let me preface this review by saying it will be full of spoilers, as i need a place to put my thoughts. I am not a native English speaker, sorry for the mistakes. Again, THERE ARE SPOLERS AHEAD.MUSIC:
Perfection! 15/10
CAST:
20/10
REWATCH VALUE:
100/10. I would, if i could, make every single person i know watch this. It's beautiful.
ENDING:
Immaculate
I loved every single second of this series, and I am hoping we will be lucky with a S2. It isn't really a drama in the way most of us are used to, there is no antagonist, no scheming, no true villains. It's a slice of life series that happens to tackle the problems young adults are faced in the LGBTQ+ community. It is wholesome, heartfelt, it will shred you to pieces, and it will bring you back up again. Its a perfect example of "We love each other, but the time isn't right".
Everything regarding this series is amazing. The writing, the acting the music, pacing, subtle hints, hidden gems! The little messages and ending credits- aahhh im still bawling my eyes out. Honestly, its god tier.
Although there are (only) 8 episodes the story isn't rushed at all. It flows naturally, and you don't have a feeling you're watching a series, it feels like you're peeping through a window into Karl and Vlad's life. It starts off slowly, but quickly builds and grows from episode one. You can see the characters grow, mature, make mistakes, fall in love, break apart, and mend each other . The backstories aren't there just as fillers, they help us see their point of view, help us sympathize , and understand their actions and responses to challenges, each other, but to themselves too.
Karl is a shy boy, unaware of his own sexuality, who is a little rough around the edges in the first 2-3 episodes. As the series progresses, and the story unfolds we see that he is really attentive, selfless, compassionate and overall a kind soul. Don't get me started on the hidden presents, birthday and the dancing. ;_; He made mistakes regarding using derogatory terms, and backhanded compliments- but he was eager to be educated when Vlad confronted him about it. His backstory is tragic, and something i deeply sympathize with. His parents had a son before him, who loved drawing houses, and the parents wanted him to be an architect. Due to their parents moment of negligence he drowned in the ocean. Karl was conceived(or born) a year after his death, and inherited everything. Including his brothers name, clothes, and dreams. He wasn't given a possibility of choice even when choosing his college.
Vlad is a confident, smart outgoing guy, comfortable in his own sexuality, and mature enough not to be agitated with every mistake Karl made, so as long he was willing to learn and apologize. Vlad too has a sad backstory, and he blames himself that their father left. Vlad's dad is a homophobic dick, who hit his child because he was "too excited to talk about a seatmate". He was 6 at the time. A year later, during his birthday party he ruffled Vlad's hair, left and never came back. His sister, Judith, played a major role in why he blamed himself. continuous saying "if only you weren't gay" and other bullshit, made him believe he was the reason. Also, consent is so fucking sexy! All hail Vlad, and his maturity! <3
Judith is, from my point of view, a complete bitch. Due to the mistakes, and blame she put on Vlad when they were younger, she is now an "avid ally". Every scene with her irked me, and i wanted to slap the shit out of her. She is pompous, invades privacy, gives herself too much rights. Barging into OTHER peoples home, shushing people, and cutting them off while talking is disgusting. If i were Karl, i would've pushed her down the stairs. -.- The behavior portrayed by her is that of toxic positivity, and is more damaging than it does any good. Forcing her brother and Karl to kiss in front of her, while exclaiming "You gays give me life" creeped me the fuck out. It sounded like fetishisation of gay relationships, and i wanted to barf. Also, cornering someone into coming out, in front of people is so fucking wrong on so many fucking levels. People are entitled to their own truths and "coming out" in their own terms, and when they are ready. She is the perfect example of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions". Judith gave me flashbacks to when i had to protect my best friend at the time, due to the exact same situation. He was cornered into coming out, but instead of liberation - he got kicked out of his home and ostracized from his family. We were 15 at the time, he was living with me and my family for the time being. It took us 2 years to bring his confidence to half of what it used to be. Being an ally is being a support system, and fighting alongside those you love and support - when it is needed. It is not proclaiming "I AM AN ALLY" every two seconds.
Anna is a bit annoying, has a sharp tongue, and her backstory explains her behavior. She is a teenage mother, who got pregnant at prom night, and fears that she is missing out on life because of her kid. Anna refuses to be "reduced" just to the role of motherhood and sacrifices, cause she is so much more. She is an artist, she is bold, honest and unapologetic. Her role is that of female empowerment, and she proved to be a great friend, and a much better ally than Judith. Her advice was always timed and phrased perfectly- and she was the push that Karl needed to become braver. I loved her so much.
Karls parents are so much like mine, that i started crying uncontrollably when he talked to them last time. You are the perfect child and you can do no wrong- so as long as you do what they say. The moment you have the "audacity" to have your own dreams, and refuse to have them shoving their on complexes and dreams down your throat- you're in the wrong. You're ungrateful. They had the audacity to pretend like Karl isn't a replacement child, forcing their dreams and plans onto him. Also a great example of toxic positivity. Some people don't deserve to be parents. So many dreams, hopes, aspirations and lives get crushed under the overwhelming pressure of forced dreams, and wanting love and approval from parents. I was so happy when Karl started taking steps towards his dreams, and ultimately - freedom.
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Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like In The Movies) Is A Magnum Opus
We rarely see BLs that educate and represent the LGBTQIA+ Community properly. It is refreshing to see such a BL to actually represent the community really well, that LGBTQIA+ People are not only for the sake of comedic relief.For me, GSP is a revolution in the sense that it is the first time that a BL actually addressed problematic issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ Community at large. That we are beyond our sexuality and gender identity as opposed to the negative representation in media that LGBTQIA+ People usually get.
I am emotional while writing this review because GSP really hit close to home. From the dialogues to the music, they will hit you right in the feels.
GSP is a must-watch for everyone. Hopefully even straight people watch this show because it really is an eye-opener to a lot of problematic issues towards the LGBTQIA+ Community.
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Drop everything and just watch this!
A definite must-watch for everyone. This series transcends the usual BL show by giving its viewers a realistic slice of life. The series takes its audience on a journey through the reality that faces the LGBTQIA+ community. The storyline and plot is well rounded. The script is impeccable, very detail-oriented and inspiring. There are no wasted scenes. The acting is well done. Both leads breathe life into these complex characters. The OST is amazing! This series is super rewatchable. You get to catch more details every time you watch it.Best BL series by a mile.
Don't sleep on this. Just watch it. You'll thank me later.
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The most refreshing and sincere BL story I've ever watched
Beautiful on so many levels. This has to be the most perfect BL series I've ever watched. This made me cry so many times (but in a good way) and the ending is just perfect in my opinion. Nothing in this series is forced or unrealistic, which is something so refreshing to see in a sea of so many dull, high school BL dramas.If you are sick of all the cliché, run of the mill BL storylines revolving around silly miscommunications, forced love-triangles, immature possessive characters and lack of consent- this show will be such a divine fresh breathe of air for you.
The story is simple, but the attention to detail in every aspect of the production, acting, OST, etc. bring it together to be such a wholesome, poignant and important story to tell. For one example, this has to be one of the only BL series where the side characters are not mere annoyances or cardboard cut-outs. They're real people with their own stories to tell that add to the realism of the story (even despite the short length of the series). The main characters are not gay characters existing in a "gay world". These are real people having their story told in a sincere, mature and honest way.
There's so many things I could say about this series, but in summary I just absolutely loved it. This series transcends the BL genre and stands alone as a wholly human, masterfully told story. Pure romance, pure perfection. What I want most out of a BL series is too feel the love, feel the romance- and that's what this series accomplished. That and more.
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