Você Me Faz Dançar (2021)

Beautiful Story

Some people think this series is too short, but I don't understand that. I think everyone has grown used to a formula which includes a set number of side couples & plots and certain milestones that always occur. A story isn't necessarily better if there are twelve 45-minute episodes (of which .5 minutes opening disclaimer, 2.5 min opening credits, 3-5 minutes of "previous episode" scenes, 15 minutes of product placement, and 5 minutes of end credits) - in fact if we really look at "standard" BL series, they are a bit of a narrative mess with some huge artificial crisis inserted in Ep 10 which then chews up all the rest of the time so that there doesn't have to be any actual affection shown onscreen except a final kiss.

Anyway, on to this show. The story is succinct, sharply-written, well-paced, thematically disciplined, and backstory remains backstory, e.g. it doesn't matter what exactly happened to anyone's mother - her absence is what's important and the impact it has on the character. The only thing perhaps lacking was some resolution with the film's villain (not the CEO, who really isn't a villain - I mean the other dancer), but this is not really important. It might have been fun to see more development of Hong Seok's modeling "career", but again, not important.

The acting is very good, the chemistry is excellent, and this is something you can binge, as the run time is roughly 105 minutes, which is a long-ish film. Highly recommended. There is also progress here in that this doesn't shy away from physical aspects of love - it's not graphic by any means, but the kisses are kisses, and very natural, as opposed to the creepy rubber-lip connect with eyes open you see so often. I'm really impressed that this is Chu Young Woo's first role - he has a real charm and presence. Not hard to look at, either.

A few minor criticisms:

The music was at times too overpowering - especially when there are lyrics and conversation happening at the same time. I think maybe the Hong Seok role was played a little too dry - it worked most of the time, but I would have liked some subtle expression to show his inner feelings - this was mostly conveyed through actions, and while that's fine for the beginning, it might have connected me more to the story to see directly into his mind (through his acting). Also, the shaky-cam needs to go. In that confrontation in the last episode, I was getting sick - if you have to use that effect - not quite so violent, please. I think the same thing can be accomplished through irregular camera angles, but whatever. Also, they should get some space heaters. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.

Leia Mais

Cute and Simple Love Story

You Make Me Dance was a magical love story between a debtor and a creditor. Once again, Korea is serving with these amazing BL love stories that they have been putting out lately, and this one is not short of that at all. Shi On and Hong Seok are brought to the screen with so much story to tell, and they executed it beautifully.

Let's Dive In.

The only real argument I have is that it was too short. I believe that they have recently turned it into a movie, so good for them, but I still wished for there to be either more episodes or a longer running time. However, the showrunners did an amazing job at the pacing of the show. Nothing felt too slow or too fast, and there weren't any filler moments or extraness that wasn't needed, and because of that, the plot flowed very easily and nicely.

The actors did an amazing job, and I could really feel their emotions through the phone. Young Woo would have to be the better actor in my opinion. Especially since this was his debut series, I can't wait to see him in future projects. The only negative I can say is that while this is supposed to be a story about a dude following his dream of becoming a dancer, Young Woo was obviously not one. Most of his moves were very sloppy and not put together at all, but again, this is super nit-picky. (It might've even been pretty neat if they used an actual professional dancer..?)

The chemistry between the two wasn't all too noticeable up until about episode 4 and then it starts getting better. Granted, the pinky scene on the bus was the cutest moment ever between them. I liked how they were both completely different, yet when they were together, they balanced off of one another and created really nice moments. My only argument would have to be the last episode. only twelve minutes to go, and all of a sudden Hong Seok just ups and wants to break up. Obviously, it was because of his boss, but I wish I would have seen more of that conflict in his emotions, specifically when he was in bed with Shi On would've been perfect cause it would've led the audience to believe that something was about to happen. I think the ending was super cute even though it was a bit too "Disney" if that makes sense.

Overall, this was a really easy watch and a quick one too. I would definitely recommend this for someone wanted to see something lighthearted and happy. While I really did enjoy this, I think this series doesn't stand out too much from the others that we've seen like Mr. Heart or Where You Eyes Linger, so it'll probably be forgotten about, but for the time that I spent with it, I've had much fun.

Leia Mais

A great show but could've been better

I must admit that I quite liked the show. Mainly for the acting of the two leads. They were really great and communicated a lot of the emotions really well, even without words... What was lacking was the pacing and story of the show.
I mean, it starts quite slow - which is not a problem, if the show is at least 10 eps and the build up pays off, but here it is eight 15min episodes... SO SHORT! - and in the final two or three episodes it is all soooo rushed.
We do not have the dancing school developed at all, not even the relationships at the school. We just see one lunch scene and then the one douchebag (being a douchebag like two or three times) and that's it. Nothing more. It just kinda ends without any depth or resolution. There is not much attention to the bullying or rivalry, it just disappears. We do not even see the rivalry at the final dance competition... Nothing.
I was also confused when our ML hurt his leg, was visibly limping and then just aces the audition? Like, hello?
As for the relationship of the two men, it was nice, cute even. But the series should've been longer. I mean, in the last two episodes so much happens that I was just baffled at the development. They kiss (also, I am afraid that the kiss from To My Star will not be topped for a looong period of time... here it was quite lacking, but whatever - physical contact is not everything), then they are quite cold to each other, then they touch, kiss, presumably have sex (YAAAS! Finally, not just a smooch), then they "break up"... Like, what? I mean, it was so rushed. And the end was so forced for them to have a happy ending. I feel like we could even get a bad ending and a possibility of some second season... please? Where they would meat a few years later. Still finding out they love each other... hm? No, here the plot device is a literal podcast. Which is cute but also so weird. Like, how the loan shark boss is okay with our ML just going for the debtor when a few episodes back it was such an issue...
Please, make your series longer so that the plot development makes sense. OR make the story way simpler so that all the complications and "rising action" reaches climax and also a resolution... then we, the audience, are satisfied. :)

Leia Mais

A good idea but average execution.

The idea and concept for this drama is actually really good and mature. however its execution is unsatisfactory.
The actual drama and action (basically the interesting parts) were crammed in the last 2 episodes while every other episode in the beginning is just boring and a waste of time. Maybe if the storyline was balanced out abit more it would be more interesting. i think its worth a watch if you have 2 hours to spare but theres no rush to watch this.
the acting was good, i think the writers could do a better job in keeping the personalities of the characters more consistent but other than that i dont think the cast and characters are a problem.
(also theres alot of unnecessary "flashack" scenes, the time could have been utilized better. i noticed there are weird skips and transitions from one scene to another due to lack of time but it could have been fixed by lessening the flashbacks.)

Leia Mais

They Understood the Assignment

I'm surprised this isn't way more popular. It's short yes, but in that short time these two ML's played out a story with more feels and chemistry than most full length BL shows these days.

THE GOOD:
- The two ML's seemed very comfortable with each other as actors, but as the episodes go on we also see the characters become more comfortable with each other.
- The writers and directors seem to know that a lot can be conveyed in simple touches, looks, smile and sweet kisses, far more effectively than any heavy petting, and they took good advantage of that.
- The dancing theme doesn't overwhelm the short story, it's only shown to a necessary degree.
- I don't know if Shi On's actor is a dancer irl, but he looked and played the part well enough to be believable.
- Once they got past their respective hang ups, the acceptance of their relationship was easy, no hemming and hawing and dragging it out.

THE (not so) BAD:
- Obviously, the episodes are very short, but this only really affected the final episode, because Hong Seok's leaving and returning happened in a rushed space of time. But that ending bit was the only real part where it felt rushed for me. Nothing major though, because the show still tied up very nicely.

Nothing ugly here, not even the 'bad' characters were really that bad. Just general crappy people.

HIGHLIGHT:
- In Hong Seok's office, that first lean in kiss, and the follow up kiss after Hong Soek pulled Shi On back, had a very intense and charged atmosphere. It was a really great first kiss scene. Too many first kisses in these shows are all slow mo, close up, too drawn out and focused on bright lighting and perfect aesthetics, but in this show, it looked like a natural scene and I felt it was acted and timed well. It achieved the feeling of the moment between the characters and it flowed smoothly.

I would recommend this for watching.

Leia Mais

A loveable One, but with the same Issues as all korean BLs

I liked the Story and main-Theme about Dancing and Competition and i really loved Chu Young as Song Shi.
I felt very pity about this poor Boy without Friends or a Family.
For me the Storyline of the Mother works very well and touched me, even if it’s the General Opinion, that there are too many Plotholes in this Part.
Also the Chemistry between Chu Young and Won Hyung was at least okay.

But as almost every Korean BL it was too rushed in some Points and the Obivously Break-Up-Drama in the last 10 Minutes(!) was so unnecessary, that i must lower my Rating.

All in all, with the Actors and the Story it had the Potential to be an really good BL, but so it’s quiet worthwatching.

so let's pray to the BL-gods that at least one full BL-drama comes out of Korea in 2021.

Leia Mais

Right to the top of my list

Get your heart and tear ducts ready. This series is so GOOD. I can understand why people want a season two and I think that would be great! But there's something refreshing about the simplicity as well. While it has all the tropes we love like cohabitation and the Final Running Scene, it doesn't include some of the more overdone ones like miscommunication and ridiculous jealousy from jumping to conclusions (tho that can amusing sometimes lbr). It's a simple story about two people who had their lives intertwined by fate/chance. You watch them fall for each other slowly as their orbits grow closer together until they finally get caught in each other's gravity. There is a bit of a "twist" at the end that made my fangirl heart break but then the series puts a bandaid on it, kisses your forehead, and apologizes with a sweet, happy ending.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sweet love stories. It's an easy, feel-good watch with attractive, talented leads. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy and hopefully it leaves you feeling that way too.

Leia Mais

스무살 빚쟁이 이야기

I not gonna pretend I'm an expert in gay mini dramas, but from my experience you can rarely find one of a decent level. You Make Me Dance is among the best of the BL genre (yet. from my experience).

'음악 없이도 춤은 출 수 있습니다. 심장 박동만 있으면.'

?️I couldn't miss it out because it's the debut of Choo Yeong Woo (main role in Oasis that I'm currently watching) . And I can't believe it's only his debut, because the level of his acting is already higher than some of the more acclaimed actors. He has a quite powerful warm energy, and potential both dramatic and comedic. This casting is probably the strongest part of the drama as the chemistry between the characters works well.

?️While they couldn't miss a couple of unreasonable "taking the shirt off" scenes and tropes, the story overall is relatively reasonable. The dance major student was abandoned by his mother right after attaining full age and left in debt. Shi On was dancing for his mother in hope of her to be proud of him, but soon after she stopped texting Shi On he needed to fill the emptiness in his heart with another person.

And here I would love something dark and toxic. E.g. Hong Seok turnes out to be just the same as his mother because Shi On has attachment issues.
BUT HEY, WHO NEEDS DARK IF IT'S ENJOYABLE NOW?

'나 그 어른이라는 말이 세상에 제일 싫어. 어른이란 말로 통제는 게 너무 많아.'

Yet it's still mentioned how hard it's for Shi On to navigate adulthood. Sadly, this topic is not developed further.

?️Overall, the drama is warm, bittersweet, sometimes funny and naive. The acting is better than expected, the third party embarrassment is not strong (so maybe don't go for it if you enjoy extreme lol). The story is not outstanding, but the actor Choo Yeong Woo almost made me cry.

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Save The Dance

This is a short and sweet drama that despite the limited run time still manages to deliver a decent story with relatively well-fleshed out characters. Both leads were interesting and nuanced though I would have liked it if their backgrounds were delved into a little more; there was a lot left unknown or just hinted at. But their chemistry was quite good, more of a slow burn than hot and heavy which I quite liked. The relationship does feel slightly rushed, but I think that's more due to the short run time than anything else. They still make it work. The dance aspect was unique and I really loved how it was actually a key part of the drama and not just a side note. The choreography was well done and quite lovely to watch. The OST was also quite good. I felt it matched the story well. Overall it was an enjoyable interlude from the daily grind. It's not a masterpiece by any means and, again, the short run time limited it in various ways. There are certain aspects I would have liked to see fleshed out more, but even without that, as long as you don't delve too deep and are able to suspend one's disbelief I think you'll find a rather lovely, touching story.

Leia Mais

Short, but sweet.

This is my first ever review I'm writing, so bear with me.

Story : A story about two men, who were meant to be.
Eventho i felt like, the meeting of them felt a little rushed, it still felt like they were falling in love pretty naturally.
I love the way, they incorperated the red thread through the whole series.

Acting / Cast : A young man, who has nobody, but himself and struggles to grow up.
I could relate a lot to his character in terms of wanting to pursue a dream, that may seem unrealistic to people and not wanting to fully commit to the adult life.
The chemistry was okay for only 8 episodes a’ 14min.

Setting : I really loved the scenery of this series. The atmosphere oft the studio and the apartment was beautiful! I don’t think I’ve seen something like this in a full length drama before, so it was new and refreshing.

Music: The OST was very beautiful. There wasn’t a particilar song, that stood out to me, but over all it really fit the series.

Final thoughts : There were a lot of very sweet and sincere moments throughout the whole series. They really did the title justice with Song Shi On trying to find a new reason to dance.
I also love the fact, that eventho it is a Korean BL, gender or homophobia was not an issue whatsoever.
All in all it is a good watch, if you want something short and sweet.

Leia Mais

So much Potential ...

First, the postives: The two leads were breathtakingly beautiful. They have brilliant smile and they looked good together. The story line was good.
The negatives: the story again had so much potential but the execution was not done in a way so it creates tension. Every story or issue was resolved too easily. Hence the conflict never rose to an extent so one can invest in it. The lead pair at times appeared to be stiff, there chemistry was not coming through. Camera work was also not anything special. Atleast one properly choreographed dance number was needed. I felt let down because the series did not commit to its own name 'You make me Dance'.
It can be watched once.

Leia Mais

I decided to watch this because there are only 8 episodes, each about 12 minutes long, and the description and cover photo looked interesting. As short as the drama is, the plot showed everything it had to, to make the story complete, it didn’t need longer. It is a sweet simple love story between a dancer and a loan shark, trying to collect debt that the dancer owed, and in the process they fell in love with each other. For Chu Young Woo, it was his acting debut, he did a great job, and I think hopefully we will be seeing a lot more of him. It’s so short, not a huge commitment, it’s worth watching. Great ending with this “feel good” drama!

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