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CAPTIONLESS!
There are so many “Good Things” to be talked about this series. I may miss out some points to consider, and I’ll take responsibility of my negligence. Without further ado, I’ll break down my analyzation about this series!“Norm-Breaking!”
Unlike most BL-themed series, that goes with a repetitive plot mixing it up with some unique representation of events. GSP (Gaya sa Pelikula) are one of those “FEW” BL series that took a step forward to be different in many aspects. In a general perspective, we see most BL series to have a common background.
In example, the common BL story conflict would be likely to revolve on 3rd Party Issues. With one of the main characters (mostly the MASCULINE character), having an ex-girlfriend who’s still nosing around to reconcile her broken relationship with one of the protagonist.
Another common conflict of a BL story that compliments with my 1st sample is all about Trust Issues. That one character thinks that his partner would do something stupid or make a mess with someone, is somewhat an overused concept. Yes, it is indeed a core topic to be discussed. But if it keeps on repeating in a single-story baseline, it will only make a general impression on how bad it is to be in a SS (Same Sex) relationship, which supposedly not the ideology to be imposed in BL stories.
Labelling conspiracies is a big issue that most BL series/movies do lack of acknowledgment. They would simply impose some characters’ mindset that identifying someone as “GAY” is a form of insult or a derogatory statement. We all know that this is actually how most people would think about the LGBTQ+ community. But keep in mind that this stereotyping would not help those who are deeply closeted. As one of the main reasons why BL genre stories existed, is to give a gleam of hope to the community that we acknowledge and appreciate their existence in this world with no much disgrace in the identity that they have.
GSP did a lot of synergizing to compliment with some of the ‘REAL ISSUES’ that we should be aware of. As how the series is narrating, GSP did a scenario on addressing conflicts based on the interpersonal aspect of the characters. A niche situation that most couples been into, yet not being a vocal topic enough to be publicly acknowledged.
As how Karl struggles to look at himself as GAY, is how most LGBT people feel. The way how his environment nurture him the thoughts that being GAY is a disgrace, pressures him a lot to acknowledge his true self. Considering the fact that his character was pre-made to be a replacement of his older brother (because his older brother died too young), he had no choice but to fit in the shoes of his belated brother in order to please his parents.
As with Vlad, he struggles to risk in a potential relationship due to his past relationship where he was dumped just because that person wasn’t ready to acknowledge his identity. The frustration that he feels, speaks to most LGBT people. The feeling that you are the only one who is brave enough to be open about your relationship is a big burden. You have no choice but to limit your actions towards to your partner publicly, fearing that your partner may think that the people around you would recognized your relationship (due to the fact that he wants your relationship to be discreet).
“Why do we need to be acknowledged as Gay?”
It is for us to be labelled as how it should be. A sense of self-identification and people being able to acknowledge your identity is what LGBT people stand for. This also plays when the norm would speak only about the LGBT people. The “Straights” would also likely want to be acknowledged as Straight if ever the norm was on the other way around. Merely because the norms doesn’t fully recognized the thought of someone being GAY, and Vice-Versa if the norm wasn’t how most people see it today.
GSP did a good execution in this concept, in the form of Vlad’s character. An openly-gay man, which never feared to be labelled as Gay. His character enables us to realize that acknowledging yourself as Gay (if you are to be) is not a bad thing. It’s never a bad idea to acknowledge yourself on who you really are. Just because people see your ‘identity’ as a disgrace, doesn’t mean you are. Vlad enables Karl to acknowledge him as Gay, not to think of it as a form of euphemism but a form of acknowledgment to his identity. Also Vlad wanted Karl to acknowledge that his feeling would considered him being Gay, because it’s how it should be.
The reason why some LGBT people sticks to be called as Bisexual is because on how derogatory the word Gay looks like in other people. GSP emphasizes the idea that you should never fear to acknowledge yourself as Gay, and rather be called out as something as a “Safe Spot” like Bisexual/Bi-romantic/etc.
“Coming Out of the Closet!”
Have you ever been so feared to be called as something you never wanted to be acknowledged off? That’s basically you being “KARL”.
The struggle of Karl’s characters not to be perceived as Gay is a struggle of most of us.
A person who is in a “May-December Affair” with a rich man/woman doesn’t want to be labelled as a gold-digger. A Kinless teenager boy, who is a sex worker, doesn’t want to be called lecherous.
So on, people didn’t want to be called out as something due to the fact that is it inclined with a negative ideology. In instance, Karl struggles to accept himself as Gay, because he thinks that people around him would just insult him for being Gay.
We all know that “Coming Out” is a process that should be done deliberately. This thing should not be done by force, which Vlad did a not-so-good thing to Karl forcing him to acknowledge himself as Gay. His actions, the way he feels about Vlad, may project to his identity as being Gay. But for as long as he is questioning himself, don’t force him to speak out.
“Just Ally Things”
Let’s give GSP a round of applause for letting those people supporting the LGBTQ+ community a part in the story. Ate Judith’s storyline behind her existence being an ally (Vlad’s Older Sister) was an eye-opener for most people today that support the LGBTQ+ community. I can say that there are many “Judith”, who did a mistake in the past and regain themselves from their wrong ideologies preventing to make the same mistake again.
It was brave enough to convey the story of Judith, who did insult Vlad (when he was young) for being gay, that she thinks was the cause of their parents’ separation. This is a story of those families who had just started a good relationship with their LGBT relatives, after realizing the mistakes they did in the past for insulting their identity.
OVERALL, I can say that GSP is an S-tier BL series. Better than most BL series that I have watched. A must-watch series in my opinion!
With that, I might create a different review that will tackle about the “Bad Points” that I have noticed while watching this series.
This review is taking too long to pile up the “Bad Points” that I have recognized.
Anyways, that’s all I can say!
PS. This is only my POV. The Rates are solely based upon looking all the "Good Points" I have noticed in this series. The rating may vary when "Bad Points" are included.
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Nice soundtrack and characters, not so much a great plot
I enjoyed this show, but I think the structure of the story is kinda bad. It should either be a show with a slow burn of the main characters realizing they like each other, culminating in the kiss on episode 6. Or a show that moved over that part quickly, so it makes sense to have their “happy life” destroyed by reality and fear. I think the “break up” would be more impactful if we got to see them living a happy life together, with the added layer of romance. Everything before episode 8 takes place over a month, so it’s not like they were together for months and then broke up.I think the actors are great and that they have great chemistry. The soundtrack is amazing.
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A Drama Everyone Should Watch, Regardless of if You're A BL Fan or Not
This drama is more than just a BL and it's easily one of my favorite dramas of all time. It really shows how someone who hasn't come out yet struggles to come to terms with who they are as a person and how damaging it can be when people attempt to force them to come out before they're ready. This drama is hard hitting, real, and I would 10/10 recommend this to anyone who wants something heavy but completely realistic. This is more than just a BL series and it really goes into the struggle of people within the LGBTQIA+ community. As someone who's within the community myself, I really appreciated the representation. I tend to watch BL series more for the acting and chemistry and I fully go into almost every BL series knowing I won't see anything realistic, but this is totally different. As I've said, I appreciate the representation and as long as you go in knowing you won't get some cringy, unrealistic drama, you'll enjoy it!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Pancake and tea
Actors and acting: I love Paolo Pangilinan and Ian Pangilinan. The chemistry is so strong it could create a whole new element. With the way they portray their character, the way they deliver the lines, the way they speak, the way their body moves and gestures, I could tell that both actors are intelligent and it's a plus. For me, it adds to their charm and appeal. The supporting characters also have the charisma. Even though the scenes would include no more than five (5) characters at a time (and it's usually just Karl and Vlad most of the time), you'll never get tired watching them. The Director, OST, Production Design, Cinematography, Story/Screenplay and the rest of the criteria are splendid. Everything seems simple but it has depth... from the symbolisms and tiny details that makes it even more meaningful and smart.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Heartfelt and real
How is this 8.5? This is literally a delicious buffet of a series that kept it airtight and beautiful with amazing music, acting and each and every moment was jam packed with meaning from hair ruffling to "ally". And I loved the backstories for the side characters! Even if it was just a moment, their actors made me feel for them that absolutely no one is a stereotypical psycho villain.The endiiiiiinnnnnngggg!!!! I am filled with so much sadness that is eased into hope. I am satisfied with just one series but I wouldn't mind a second one just to see Karl's journey further.
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"Do you ever feel like you're not the protagonist of your own story?"
to put it short, Gaya Sa Pelikula, is one of, if not the best bl drama i've seen.-the acting of everyone but especially the two main leads was brilliant. everything they said and did felt so real and honest. there was one scene especially that oOF i felt mans emotions hit my core. it was also so interesting to hear such a big amount of english mixed in the dialogue!
-now the story. it is so incredibly important and raw. it's something everyone can relate to at a certain extent you know? being scared to put yourself out there and letting the world really see you. as well as the other side of that coin, the exhaustion of not wanting to hide anymore. questioning your self identity, we all go through it but truthfully, this story really hits home for the lgbtq+ committee.
-it's a long and hard journey, trying to come to terms with who you are and to proudly be your authentic self for the rest of the world to see and judge. it's terrifying but what this drama does is beautifully show and give the perspective of two people who are at two different points in that journey.
from start to finish, this drama is incredible. i cried, i laughed, and then i cried some more.
so please go ahead and watch Gaya Sa Pelikula. you won't regret it!
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a precious Juwel of series
Due to the Corona-Pandemic and the Lockdown i’ve begin to watch BL-Series.I thougt okay, the stories are nice, unrealistic but kinda cute and the acting is sometimes real good. I’ve watched 5 or 6 Series before, but then came "Like in the Movies" and HIT ME LIKE AN EMOTIONAL TRUCK!
To be honest, after the Finale Episode i’ve cried the whole Evening.
This is definitely more than another BL-Series, it is more a LGBTIQ-Drama with Themes like inner Strugles, Homophobic Society, etc. There is no unrealisitc whitewash here.
But it is still a very optimistic Show, because all the Characters are so loveable and shown with so much Respect and Terndeness. Never seen such a good Cast, this includes Main and Support Roles.
The Screenwriter Juan Miguel Severo has done a perfect Job and created something very special.
The Show deserves definetely more attention and should be named together with modern classics like Brokeback Mountain, Call me by your Name or Moonlight.
So watch the Show and tell all your Friends, Familes to watch the Show too and hope that "Like in the Movies" could be so famous as it should be.
(I’m not a native Speaker so please judge my Review not too hart.)
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Realistic
TBH, BL series had been quite popular during this year and a lot of countries had joined in producing their own stories but one thing I noticed in those are the unrealistic portrayal of LGBT members. Do not get me wrong, I like fluff and cute story lines but some of them just get a little bit repetitive and just fetishizations.GSP is a whole new storyline which is relatable and very realistic specially for LGBTQ+ members. It portrays what people actually goes through and the painful reality of being in the closet. The characters are well thought out and I know that some of you might hate some characters in the series but that is what makes it realistic. In terms of real life situations, we have those kinds of people that would pressure you into coming out which is not a great experience. There would come your family that wants you to follow their desires and not care of what you really want. Then there's these great friends who you rely on when you feel the lowest.
The story introduces us into a story line that probably most of the LGBTQ+ members can relate to and describe realistic problems and portrays the difficulty of coming into terms with yourself and accepting who you are. This tells you that it is okay if you're not ready to let the world know who you are because you are afraid of judgement but it should not let us stop our living the best moments of our lives.
About the acting, Vlad really plays the character well and it looks so natural. For other characters, the acting skills could do some improvement.
I love the OST of this series a lot.
OVERALL, I recommend watching it and it is probably one of the best portrayal of LGBTQ+ society in real life and what we actually go through. One of the outstanding BL series this year and it levels along ITSAY. Not regret watching it.
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This review does not have any major spoilers/ proceed without worrying
This drama is beautiful. When I say beautiful, I mean the characters, the story, the production the music, and almost everything that makes this drama complete.Gaya sa pelikula, or like in the movies is a crucial drama to understand what the LGBTQ community really wants. They want to feel normal. They want to do things that straight people do. They want to live happily and not get different treatment just because they are LGBTQ people.
The reason why this drama shines is that each character had enough time to tell their story. Be it Karl, a shy person who had always been thrown under the burden of being good enough. Be it Vlad, a guy who overcame all difficulties by himself. Or even Judith, an ally who desperately wants to help everyone. Amidst this all, they still managed to make the story extremely relatable and comedic.
I just loved them all. The music and the production were at their best, enhancing emotions delivered by great writing skills. All of this is tied up with talented actors living their roles.
If you are planning to watch it, just go. It is a beautiful series that will make you feel like the time you spent on it was worth it. It will make a difference in you, and I am speaking from experience :)
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The best God tier also the Music taste is BOP
Very Nice story, anyone can relate. Full of lessons in real life and very realistic. THE BEST BL EVER!!! The music choice is the best in every scene. Will recommend! Must watch! Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Will recommend! Must watch!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
There is a moment early on where our main character, Karl, watches, mesmerized, as his neighbor Vlad dances carelessly in his living room and we wonder, does he want Vlad, or does he want to be Vlad? And as the show unfolds it becomes evident that the answer is both. He wants Vlad but coming to terms with that means coming to understand elements of himself that Karl would perhaps rather leave unexamined. And so this is a story about romance, but also about coming of age, because life will push him, force him to grow into himself.
Unfortunately, neither issue is fully resolved in our 8 episodes. That isn’t a bad thing because both of these issues are as much about the journey as the destination. Being able to actually ask the questions the show poses is enough of a step itself, as unresolved as it feels.
The things that hit most for me are the details that clarified the queer lens of the show. The emergence of Karl’s internalized homophobia as small, ignorant micro-agressions that aren’t left to stand unexamined, the value the story gives to older queers in gaining a sense of self-understanding (which is rarely actually represented), the well-intentioned allyship that often becomes self-centering in straight characters, etc all lift this show from the general BL milieu into a delightfully queer story.
I love that the relationship between our leads is shown thru an exploration of their intimacy with one another, instead of hinging on the fact that they’re both attractive humans cast as the leads in a television show. I love that the conflict feels real and is not hand-waved to try to force a resolution in 8 episodes. There are no easy answers to growing up and the show doesn’t try to patronizingly give any. And I actually love that because of all that the show doesn’t quite end as much as feel like its paused. Though the knowledge that a season 2 is a question of when not if, apparently, helps a lot with that but even if it never happens I feel the story as it stands is beautiful enough on its own.
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Just okay
Not bad, it's just okay. The show starts slowly, with the first three episodes basically threading the same conflct and narrative thread without showing and telling us anything new about the characters; it could have been condensed to one episode, to be honest. The romance aspect of the show literally comes out of nowhere. Besides the fact that this is a gay romance, there's no reason given in the show why the two main characters should fall in love with each other, besides the fact that they live in the same apartment. It puts the work of building the internal romantic narrative arc of the characters on the shoulder of the viewers, who project what they want to see onscreen because the characters and the story are so empty it can literally be anything. The story is so thin that this is the only way the show could make sense. The part where it makes rah-rah statements about homosexuality I don't mind--but given how the show doesn't have much of a story to begin with, it's a bit offputting. Still, the show is doing necessary work in terms of educating the audience about LGBTQ+ issues, and that should be applauded.The acting is alright; Ian's privileged English-speaking character is a bit one-note, but he's charming enough to make it work. Paolo, though--this is his first work as an actor, and it shows. Their acting isn't incredibly jarring and it improves in the latter episodes... but it isn't the best. The music's okay. Gotta thank that Globe Telecom money for the one redeeming quality of the show.
What's really bad about the show is its direction and editing. It improves in the latter episodes but MAN, those are more horrible than the show's writing. Hope season 2 improves.
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